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THE

AMERICAN

Journal of Pharmacy.

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE

PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY,
HE^TRY. KRAEMER. '

PUBLISHING COMMITTEE FOR I90I.

HENRY N. RITTBNHOUSE, JOSEPH W, ENGLAND,

SAMUEL P. SADTLER, RICHARD V. MATTISON,

WALLACE PROCTER, JOSEPH P, REMINGTON,

AND THE EDITOR.

VOLUME 73

{

PHILADELPHIA :
1901.

(

THE AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY

JANUARY, igoi.

ADULTERATIONS OF ESSENTIAL OILS.
By Dr. Geo. R. Pancoast and Lyman F. Kebi<er.

In early times technical equipments for the production of volatile
oils were very incomplete, and various expedients were necessarily-
resorted to for the purpose of extracting the many odorous princi-
ples from the host of plant tissues; fatty products, turpentine and
alcohol were frequently employed for this purpose, and consequently
there was a certain justification formerly for the presence of some
of these solvents in certain essential oils. But modern methods
render the use of these foreign substances entirely unnecessary and
they must be looked upon as adulterations pure and simple.

Adulteration is chiefly resorted to on the one hand because of its
profitableness, and on the other hand because of the ignorance of
the consumer and his desire to purchase as cheaply as possible.
The latter frequently does not seem to care for quality, but wants
quantity. It is often due to this that an honest producer may be
induced to offer spurious goods, because he cannot get reasonable
prices, while his competitor is able to dispose of large quantities of
adulterated oils. It must not be forgotten that formerly the adul-
terator could ply his art fearlessly without much danger of exposure,
and this probably emboldened him. To-day he is compelled to act
a little more cautiously owing to the developments of the chemis-
try of terpenes and their derivatives, as well as a more or less
complete knowledge of the composition of a number of the volatile
oils. The " Black Art " of volatile oils is passing away.

The writers are fully convinced that the large distillers and
reputable wholesalers are not responsible for some of the adulter-
ated oils met with, even though they pass through their hands.

(i)

2 Adulterations of Essential Oils. {A ^nJa0aurry f^m-

They are generally beyond their control, as will be seen by some of
the subsequent remarks.

The guileless farmer or peasant who constructs a crude still and
collects oils by his primitive methods (besides the impurities to be
expected from this source) frequently adds a goodly proportion of
a cheaper oil or synthetic sent to him by a friend in the wicked
city. Synthetic oil of wintergreen is said to be largely used in this
manner, and the resulting product sold for true oil of wintergreen.

The Turkish peasant in like manner and for similar reasons adds
geranium oil to his rose leaves before he begins his distillation of
pure otto of rose. Even John Chinaman, forced to keep " open
door, " manages to return the " Foreign Devils" coal oil by con-
scientiously " plugging " some of the essential oils which he sells,
especially oils of aniseed and cassia. And the warm-blooded
Sicilian, in response to an increasing demand for his goods, rejuven-
ates a worn-out or poor quality oil by adding the necessary constit-
uents taken from a cheaper source; for example, oil of lemon is-
fortified with citral obtained from oil of lemongrass, and oil of ber-
gamot is " pieced out " with lemon and orange oils.

Then some of the primitive distillers themselves, and possibly
some of the middlemen or the jobbers, try their hands at improving
nature. This is practiced in some instances to such an extent that
the farther the oil travels, and the larger the number of hands it
passes through, the more it adds unto itself, until finally, in some
instances, at least, it is not recognized by its friends. Some of these
adulterations may be due to ignorance, carelessness or accident, but
many, very many, are due to design, and unless there is some im-
provement in this respect, we may be prepared to hear in the near
future of some one liberally supplying himself with synthetics,
esters, aldehydes, alcohol, oil of copaiba and plenty of French tur-
pentine, then opening up an office with the sign " Essential Oils
Made to Order While You Wait."

Essential oils are frequently met with that are unnaturally low in
their characteristic constituent, so much so that, being otherwise
satisfactory, only one conclusion can be drawn, viz., that they have
been robbed or looted; for example, de-mentholized peppermint
oil ; oil of cloves, minus a large part of its eugenol ; caraway, de-
prived of some of its carvone ; and oil of lemon, abnormally low in
its citral. We shall hereafter for brevity's sake call this class of

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
January, 1901. j

Adulterations of Essential Oils.

oils "looted oils." By such tactics a double profit is made by
the manipulator. The consumer in these cases makes two pur-
chases where he should make but one and save money by so doing ;
as for instance, he buys eucalyptol and a cheap oil of eucalyptus ;
then, in order to make the oil answer the proper requirements, it is
necessary for him to use the eucalyptol to strengthen his inferior
oil of eucalyptus.

Another matter not generally known is that certain manufactur-
ers claim that some absolutely pure oils need to be modified so as to
conform to some arbitrary standard ; for example, one very promi-
nent and reliable house lists oil of pimento at $2. 10 per pound, but oil
of pimento said to be made to meet the requirements of the U.S. P.
is offered at $1.60. The same criticism is applied to the U.S. P.
requirements for oils of bay and coriander.

Among the favorite articles used as adulterants, and to be looked
for, are cheaper essential oils (turpentine, copaiba, cedarwood and
gurjun balsam), alcohol and fixed and mineral oils.

PRELIMINARY TESTS.

(1) Physical appearance.

(2) A common method and a very useful one is that of exposing a
drop or two of the oil on white glazed paper, and from time to time
observing the odor. By this means alone, in many cases, a cheap
oil can be detected, especially turpentine. Lemon and orange re-
quire from twelve to fifteen minutes ; bergamot, two to four hours ;
lavender, twelve to fifteen hours ; cloves, twenty-five hours ; and
sandal wood, two days, for comparison. Fixed oils leave a perma-
nent greasy stain. Results by the above procedure give only indi-
cations, which must be verified by established methods.

Alcohol. — Several tests can be applied to give indications of the
presence or absence of alcohol. Oils free from alcohol (acetone or
purified wood alcohol), when dropped into water, remain transpar-
ent, but the presence of alcohol causes the globules to become
opaque or milky. When a considerable amount is present, it may
be approximately estimated by placing a given volume of the oil
into a graduated cylinder, adding an equal volume of water, agitat-
ing well, and then -setting aside until complete separation results.
If there is any appreciable diminution in the volume of oil, alcohol
(acetone, acetic ether or purified wood alcohol) is present. The

4 Adulterations of Essential Oils. { A^uaryPi9oim*

diminution of volume is generally proportional to the amount of
adulterant. Glycerin can be used in place of water.

In order to positively establish the presence of any of the above,
fractional distillation must be resorted to and the substance finally
identified by means of the iodoform reaction, boiling point, etc.

CHEAPER ESSENTIAL OILS.

Turpentine generally introduces abnormalities, lower specific
gravity, diminished solubility, lower boiling temperatures and dis-
turbed optical rotation. The latter can easily be remedied by mixing
the proper proportions of dextrogyrate and lsevogyrate turpentines.
Before a positive opinion can be given relative to the presence of
added turpentine, in many cases a careful comparison must be made
and the characteristic derivatives of pinene isolated.

Cedatwood, copaiba and gutjun balsam oils are generally indi-
cated by their lesser solubilities, higher specific gravities and opti-
cal rotations, but the two latter can readily be adjusted by the
proper kind and amount of turpentine.

Mineral oils (petroleum, kerosene, etc.) are generally revealed by
their insolubility and indifference to the action of strong acids and
alkalies. They may be variously isolated, by their insolubilities,
polymerizing the oil with concentrated sulphuric acid and then dis-
tilling the mixture with aqueous vapor, or by oxidizing with fuming
nitric acid and then removing the oxidized portion with hot water,
thus leaving the unaffected petroleum behind.

DETERMINATION OF PHYSICAL PROPERTIES.

The specific gravity is one of the best known properties of oils and
is the one most generally applied because it is readily determined.
The specific gravity is a very important factor, but is readily tam-
pered with, consequently very careful deductions based on it must
be made.

Solubility Very definite and satisfactory data have been estab-
lished for many oils relative to their solubility ; so much so that
this physical property is probably more reliable than any other single
one. The common adulterants are generally revealed by the applica-
tion of this test. The volatile oils are quite readily soluble in alcohol,
ether, acetone, acetic ether, glacial acetic acid, carbon disulphide,
chloroform, benzol, petroleum ether and paraffin oil.

A jaSa?yfSm"} Adulterations of Essential Oils, 5

The optical rotation is exceedingly valuable, frequently being the
only means by which the purity of an oil can be arrived at, and
should never be omitted.

Fractional distillation is usually resorted to in cases of admixture.

The congealing -point is especially useful and necessary with anise
oils.

QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATION OF CONSTITUENTS.

Before an oil can be submitted to a chemical examination, it is
necessary to know at least its chief constituents, and then the
methods must be so adjusted that these constituents can be esti-
mated quantitatively with a considerable degree of accuracy. Such
methods have been elaborated only within recent times, and are
based on well-known organic reactions.

The oldest and probably the most useful is the method of
ester determination or saponification. It was originally applied to
essential oils as we now apply it to fixed oils, and is based on the
fact that fixed alkalies resolve the esters into their respective alco-
hols and acids, the alkalies combining quantitatively with the latter.
Then, knowing the ester in a given oil, the amount can readily be
calculated by the quantity of alkali consumed by a given weight of
oil. The linalyl acetate of lavender and bergamot oils is readily es-
timated by this process.

Aldehydes. — In the case of aldehyde-bearing oils, as cassia, the
property of sodium bisulphite forming a compound soluble in water,
containing an excess of sodium bisulphite, is utilized. This process
is of much practical value with oil of cassia, and the oil is now
generally purchased on the basis of aldehyde content.

Acetylization. — Many of the oils contain alcohols as essential con-
stituents. These can mostly be estimated by converting them into
acetic esters, by means of acetic anhydride, removing water-soluble
products by washing with water, then dehydrating the residue by
means of fused sodium sulphate, and estimating the amount of acetyl
group contained in a given weight of the acetylized oil.

PHENOL DETERMINATION.

It is the custom in France to rectify oil of thyme with consider-
able quantities of turpentine oil. The original cause of this pro-
cedure is probably due to the fact that the consumer requests a
colorless oil, and oil of thyme contains a goodly per cent, of phenol

Adulterations of Essential Oils.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ January, 1901.

bodies, which cause the freshly distilled oil to develop a coloration
in a short time. The smaller the amount of phenol, the longer the
oil will remain colorless. Careful analyses of this oil show that a
pure product contains about 25 per cent, of phenols, and these can
be approximately estimated by treating a given volume of oil with
a 5 per cent, solution of sodium hydroxide, in a burette, and not-
ing the diminution of volume of the oil. The alkaline solution
forms soluble compounds with the phenols.

The following comprises a list of oils and the impurities found in
them by various observers, as well as the writers :

Almonds, bitter, true. — There are no objections, so far as the
writers know, to the preparation of a so-called oil of bitter almonds
made from apricot or peach kernels, but it ought not to be offered
as the genuine article. The true oil is often adulterated with
alcohol, nitrobenzol, turpentine and benzaldehyde, the latter
sometimes in toto.

Aniseed, spermaceti up to 35 per cent., alcohol as much as 80
per cent., kerosene, wax, oils of fennel, cedar, copaiba, camphor,
turpentine, fennel stearoptene and oil of caraway, obtained from
both the seed and the chaff.

Angelica, copaiba.

Amber, crude, resin mixed with coal oil and turpentine. It is
rumored that crude petroleum is frequently supplied for this article.

Amber, rectified, resin oil, turpentine and kerosene. Note
remarks made under amber, crude.

Bay, cloves, pimento, turpentine and oils containing phenols.
It has also been adulterated with redistilled oil of cinnamon leaf,
with a slight admixture of redistilled oil of lemongrass. Such an
article has been pronounced by those of little experience superior
to the pure product, appearing sweeter, more aromatic and not as
heavy in odor as a pure oil.

Birch, methyl salicylate, and there is no absolute method to de-
tect it.

Bergamot, lemon, orange, French turpentine, linaloe, fatty oils.

Cajeput ; this is often looted. A mixture of rosemary or savin
with camphor and resin of milfoil is often substituted. Oils of
campjior and turpentine must be looked for.

Cajeput, Formosa, said to be a mixture of cajeput and oil of
camphor.

Aj^Sa&,Pi9oi.m'} Adulterations of Essential Oils. 7

Camphor y benzine, coal oil, turpentine, one case 25 per cent.
Canada snakeroot, copaiba,
Cananga, coca nut oil.

Cassia, coal oil, fatty oils, resin (one case 18 per cent.), oil gurjun
balsam, cloves, cinnamon leaf, cedarwood. A 90 per cent, aldehyde
containing oil of cassia reduced to a 70 per cent, strength oil, by
the addition of enough coal oil. A large profit in coal oil.

Caraway seed, often a looted oil ; turpentine, oil of caraway chaff
and added limonen. The term " twice rectified " for this article is
rather misleading, as each rectification reduces the percentage of
carvol. The single distillation of Dutch caraway seed produces a
superior oil and of much greater strength than the so-called
" twice rectified."

Cedrat, a mixture of orange and bergamot.

Cedar, hemlock, spruce, turpentine, oil of camphor.

Cedar leaf , cedarwood, thuja.

Celery seedy celery leaf, turpentine.

Chamomile, cedar, copaiba, turpentine, milfoil, lemon. The manu-
facturer sometimes distils lemon or turpentine over his chamomile
flowers.

Cinnamon, cloves, cassia.

Citronella, Japanese oil of camphor, the light variety. This article
was preferred by some, as it had a sweeter odor. Fatty oils, oil of
gurjun, coal oil, coca nut oil. A controversy occurred in England
as to whether a mixture of citronella 35 per cent., lemon 10 per
cent, and coal oil 55 per cent, could pass as citronella oil.

Coriandefy orange, cubebs, cedar, turpentine. Oil of orange
distilled with coriander.

Copaiba, oil gurjun balsam.

Cloves, clove stems, fatty oils, copaiba, pimento, coal oil, turpen-
tine and carbolic acid. A looted oil is sometimes met with.
Cubebs, copaiba.

Curacoa orange, bitter orange and bergamot.
Dilly caraway chaff oil, mace, turpentine.

Eucalyptus, looted oil, cheaper grades of eucalyptus. Turpen-
tine is said to smooth a rough oil.

Fennel seedy looted oil, fennel chaff, alcohol, oils containing phe-
nols.

Geranium, gingergrass, rectified citronella, fatty oils.

$ Adulterations of Essential Oils. {A janSa^fmf.111,

Geranium, Turkish, fixed oils, turpentine, coal oil.
Gingergrass oil, mineral oil and turpentine.
Hemlock, spruce, turpentine.
Juniper wood, turpentine.

Lavender, garden, spike, oil of camphor, turpentine.

Lavender flowers, turpentine, alcohol. A poor oil is sometimes
found " plugged " with ester. According to Schimmel, the test for
solubility, one part to three of 70 per cent, alcohol, does not prove
or disprove the presence of turpentine. The method of distillation
is responsible in the majority of cases for the variations in specific
gravity, optical rotation and solubility.

Lemon, poor lemon oil, with citral from lemongrass added, poor
or old orange oil, turpentine. When testing on paper, use a piece
of fresh lemon peel for comparison.

Lemongrass, fixed oils.

Limes, expressed, lemon.

Melissa, lemon, citronella or lemongrass distilled over melissa
leaves. Mixtures of lemon and citronella or lemongrass.
Matico, alcohol, turpentine.
Mace, distilled, poor quality nutmeg oil.

Neroli, petit-grain, with a little bergamot, improves the quality
of a poor oil. Lemon or orange increase optical rotation. Petit-
grain or linaloe decrease optical rotation.

Orange, alcohol, turpentine. When testing on paper, use orange
peel for comparison.

Origa7ium, a mixture of thyme, oil of camphor, turpentine and
coloring matter ; crude oil of sassafras, rectified resin oil, Barbadoes
tar, crude petroleum.

Palmarosa, coca nut oil, petroleum.

Patchouli, cedarwood, cubebs, turpentine, coal oil.

Peppermint, mixture (peppermint, glycerin, alcohol and turpen-
tine) copaiba, erigeron, turpentine, castor oil, pennyroyal, alcohol,
glycerin, oil of camphor, sassafras, looted oil.

Pennyroyal, de-mentholized mint, turpentine, alcohol, residue from
peppermint distillation.

Petit-grain, turpentine.

Pimento, cloves, carbolic acid.

Pine-needle oil, turpentine. Much confusion exists in these oils,
due partly to the nomenclature of the coniferse.

A January Pih™"} Adulterations of Essential Oils. g

Pinus Sylvestris, Scotch oil of fir, coal oil, turpentine. Very little
genuine is to be had.

Rose. — The leaves of rosa alba added to the Bulgarian rose, as
the oil from this mixture contains more stearoptene, so that the
distiller is able to add more geranium oil without reducing the
melting point below the minimum. Indian geranium or ginger-
grass, palmarosa, true oil of rhodium, light paraffin oils, fixed oils,
guaiac wood oil, alcohol, spermaceti, paraffin. This is the record
breaker for number of adulterations.

Rhodium, a mixture of rose and copaiba.

Rosemary, camphor and lavender, turpentine, spike oil, petroleum
oil, alcohol, rectified camphor oil. *
Rue, turpentine, coal oil.

Sandal, " German" mixture of sandal-English and copaiba.

Sandal, " East India" or " English" castor oil, copaiba, fatty oils,
cedarwood, oil of gurjun, West India sandals. Chloroform and
alcohol were found in one sample that is said to have answered the
U.S.P. requirements. This oil should be from one to two years old,
as ageing considerably improves the fineness of the aroma. The
U.S.P. requires a specific gravity 0-970 to 0 978. Ten observers,
including Schimmel, Umney, Parry, Bush and Squires, average
0-971 to 0-979. Optical rotation, — 120 to — 200 ; santalol, from
86 to 98 per cent.

A safe average for a good oil would be, optical rotation, from
— 170 to — 190 ; specific gravity, 0-975 at lS° C-> an<^ santalol at
least 90 per cent. A lot of oil made by a certain firm had a
specific gravity of 0-9767; optical rotation, — I7'5°; contained
97-16 per cent, of santalol, and was freely soluble in five volumes of
70 per cent, alcohol.

Savin, juniper, turpentine. Mr. Dohme found 80 per cent, of
turpentine in one sample.

Sassafras, safrol, coal oil, oil of camphor.

Spearmint, turpentine.

Spruce, turpentine.

Tansy, spruce, turpentine.

Thuja, cedar, pine leaf, turpentine.

Thyme, camphor, turpentine. A recent examination showed
that a pure article can be obtained, but generally it runs very low
in phenol content.

Drug Culture.

f Am. Jour. Pharm
1 January, 1901.

Verbena, lemongrass. •
Vetivert, fixed oils.

Wine, light oil, fusel oil and the distillate obtained from the resi-
due left in the manufacture of ether.

Wormwood, turpentine. Residue from the distillation of oil of tansy.
A mixture was once sold as oil of wormwood which cost about
65 cents per pound to make. It consisted of oils of cedar, spruce,
amber, tansy refuse, alcohol and turpentine. One of the authors
had a sample of this unique compound shown him. Even a hasty
examination should have disclosed most of the ingredients.

Wintergreen, true. — There is practically little of this oil to be had.
Birch, pure methyl salicylate and mixtures of the two are often sold
for it. When it was a common commercial article, Japanese oil of
camphor, other light oils,vcoal oil, sassafras and chloroform were
the chief adulterants. There appears to be no satisfactory test to
identify an admixture of methyl salicylate and birch except optical
rotation, and this observation must be made with extreme care.

Ylang Ylang (Flower of Flowers), kananga, fatty oils, syn-
thetic oil.

In conclusion, the writers would state that they make little claim
for originality. This paper contains the results of some years of
observation and information supplied by friends. Existing litera-
ture was largely drawn upon, chief among which were "Die
Aetherische Oele," von E. Gildermeister und Fr. Hoffmann ; the
English translation of this by Edward Kremers ; " The Chemistry
of Essential Oils and Artificial Perfumes," by Ernest J. Parry;
" Odorographia, " by J. Ch. Sawer, and the " Semi- Annual Reports
of Schimmel & Co. "

DRUG CULTURE.
By F. B. Kilmer.

^1 have heretofore urged attention to the study of medicinal plants
at their source of supply, both in their natural habitat and under
cultivation.

In one instance I pleaded for the publication of specific informa-
tion as to the propagation, growth, collection and preparation of
medicinal plants, having in view the highest conservation of their
medicinal constituents, and of securing more uniform production,

Am. Jour. Pharm. ]_
January, 1901. J

Drug Culture.

1 1

and especially the issuance, either by the Government or otherwise,
of bulletins containing information as to the best modes of cultivat-
ing, collecting and preparing such medicinal plants as are suited to
the climates of our States and territories.1

That these appeals have not passed unheeded is evident from the
interest now manifested in the subject of drug culture.

The object of the present communication is to stimulate, and, if
possible, add a few practical notes to the somewhat meagre litera-
ture on this subject. In the consideration of the cultivation of
medicinal plants several points present themselves:

It is stated that the time is not far distant when we will be de-
pendent upon the agriculturist for our medicinal plants ; that the
destruction of wooded lands and other causes are lessening the
supply of drug-yielding plants, and that drug farms will soon be a
necessity.

Scientific agriculture has taught the grower how to develop given
products of plant life force. If, by scientific cultivation, we can
augment or regulate the important active principles of drug plants,
there is hope for an economic and scientific recompense.

After a somewhat careful review of the situation it is evident to
me that the problem in the cultivation of medicinal plants can best
be solved by the American pharmacist.

In this country we can call to our aid resources of a most extensive
and varied soil and climate, and scientific agriculture here reaches
the'highest attainable point. From the beginning we shall have the
advantages of American machinery and methods as against peasant
labor, which now supplies the bulk of the European products. But
of striking importance to pharmacy and medicine is the fact that
intelligent drug culture will tend to throw light upon the problem
as to the relative value and activity of drugs gathered in a wild
state, as compared with those under culture.

Heretofore cultivation has not been necessary or expedient for
many drug plants. Our knowledge of the influence of cultivation
upon their medicinal and active principles is, therefore, very meagre.

In respect to narcotic drugs, the statement that those which grow
wild contain the greater proportion of alkaloids is generally accepted

1 " In L,ands Where Drugs Grow." American Journal of Pharmacy,
April, 1900.

Drug Culture,

( Am. Jour. Pharm.
1 January, 1901.

as true, yet I have seen specimens of cultivated belladonna root
which would assay over I per cent, alkaloids. We are also con-
fronted by the fact that under industrial stimulus cultivation has
had the effect of increasing the alkaloidal yield in cinchona, poppy,
coca, the caffeine-bearing plants, tobacco, etc.

On one hand the possibility of a scarcity of certain drugs and the
probability of the betterment of our vegetable materia medica would
seem to be questions of great importance to pharmacy, and would
seem to answer the first and most natural query : Will it pay ?

The following notes here are given with a view to stimulate
further study rather than as having any practical value.

It is quite apparent that the conditions which influence the growth
of plants and agricultural products in general will apply more or
less to the cultivation of drug plants.

The controlling influences of climate (heat, light and moisture)
upon plant growth are well known. To a certain extent climatic
conditions are more than soil. The influence of climate upon the
medicinal principles of plants is undeniable, but in this respect we
have no accurate data upon which to form conclusions.

Numerous alkaloidal drugs at the present time are grown in
Great Britain and Western Europe. Here we have cool summers
(in England considerable humidity) and a gradual approach of cold
weather. Maturity is late and indefinite. Under these conditions
we find that certain plants are rich in alkaloids.

These same plants, if transplanted to America, would probably
be killed by the fall frosts before maturity, and after a few genera-
tions they would acquire the quick-ripening habits which are char-
acteristic of our vegetation. Would the alkaloidal yield follow
this change of growth?1

Temperature is seemingly not the all-important factor influencing
the alkaloidal yield. Some Northern-grown tobaccos are weak in
nicotine and others are very rich. Kentucky tobacco is very high
in alkaloid. Certain tropical-grown tobaccos are the weakest of
all. Poppies have been grown in France yielding many times the
amount of morphia of those grown in India. Indications point to
humidity and rainfall as more potent than heat.

1 Atropa belladonna is quite at home in England, but I have seen thrifty speci-
mens in the tropical gardens of the West Indies as well as in Northern New York.

Am. Jour. Pharm.\
January, 1901. J

Drug Culture.

In my observations upon the European narcotic drugs, the most
thrifty specimens, rich in alkaloids, were found among the dense
foliage of forests where the rays of the sun never reach the soil,
and, as naturally would be expected, these same plants, when culti-
vated in narrow valleys with a northern or eastern aspect, were the
most prolific in growth.

In considering the influence of climate upon drug culture we
must also bear in mind that there are vertical as well as horizontal
zones of vegetation, and we must therefore expect that the growth
of drug plants will follow the well-known range of trees, shrubs,
vines, grasses, etc., in this respect. 1

As to the soil best adapted to the growth of medicinal plants we
know almost nothing. It will be necessary to study each plant by
itself in this respect. Taking the European-grown drugs as types,
it has seemed to me that those regions where the soil was a mix-
ture of humus and calcareous earths were the most productive;
soils rich in sand or clay produced the least.

In England aconite and henbane are cultivated in Kent on light
sandy soils. They grow wild on marshy land. The soil in Lincoln-
shire, where drugs are cultivated, contains a good percentage of fine
sand and vegetable matter and is not very high in lime.

In another section, where the same drugs are grown, the soil is a
brown loam lying over a chalk formation, and contains 15 per
cent, of lime. The vegetable matter from this soil is not very
high. From the Continent a sample of soil on which lavender and
several narcotic herbs are grown was reported to contain 35 per
cent, vegetable matter, 51 per cent, of sand (quite fine), 10 per cent,
of lime and 2 per cent, of phosphoric acid.

So far as I could learn the potash content in these soils was not
high. Observing the conditions under which many medicinal
plants thrive, we might conclude that rich soil was not a necessity.

In one of my experiments I selected a very poor red shale soil
where grass would not grow, even under fertilization with compost,
and on this soil the growth of rhubarb, digitalis, conium, cotton,
aconite, etc., was a pronounced success. 2

1 The writer is preparing a list of the common drug plants suited to the tem-
perate zone of the United States with such information as can be gathered as to
the zone of vertical cultivation, and will be pleased to receive aid and sug-
gestions.

2 An analysis of this red shale soil gave the following results :

Drug Culture.

( A.m. Jour. Pharm.
\ January, 1901.

In botanical gardens . the drug plants in the richest beds generally
look the least thrifty. It has been stated by experienced drug cul-
tivators that the alkaloidal content of plants is lessened by high
fertilization. This statement accords with such actual practices as
have come under my notice. Against this statement we have re-
ports of experiments made in the sewage gardens of Berlin and else-
where which tend to show that fertilization with sewage gives an
increase in the alkaloidal yield.

In plants which yield aromatic principles high fertilization is con-
ceded to be beneficial.

I am inclined to the opinion that fresh manure is prejudicial, and
that compost, especially that from rotted leaves, straw, etc., is the
best. We seem to have no information respecting the use of arti-
ficial fertilizers upon drug plants.

It is probably unnecessary to urge the selection of good seeds. It
will be found advisable to obtain seeds from plants grown in the
same geographical region, or especially in the region representing
as nearly as possible the same climatic conditions as our own. My
experience has shown that from some cause but a small propor-
tion of the seeds of medicinal plants germinate. (In some of my
experiments only 25 per cent, of selected seeds were fertile.)

Every farmer sows from five to twenty times more seed than he
needs, and of the seeds which germinate, it is estimated that not
more than 10 per cent, give mature plants.

For the present the source of seed supply for medicinal plants
not indigenous to our country must be such as can be obtained
from wholesale druggists. These will often prove unreliable. The
processes of drying, age and other influences to which they have
been subjected are not conducive to growth.

It is to be hoped that our seedsmen and botanical gardens will in

Silicic acid and quartz 73 *oo

Peroxide of iron 10*00

Alumina 3*20

Lime ....... V : 4-93

Magnesia . 0*90

Potash 073

Soda 0*97

Sulphuric acid trace

Carbonic acid

Water i*oo

Am. Jour. Pharm.l
January, 1901. J

Drug Culture.

time become reliable sources of supply. For indigenous plants the
wild plants themselves will furnish the seed required.

The effects of cultivation upon medicinal plants, while of deep
significance, are beyond the scope of this paper. The words of Dar-
win should be kept in mind : " Changes of any kind in the condi-
tions of life, even extremely slight changes, often suffice to cause
variability." Changes of food, climate, changes of any of the con-
ditions of environment, have a modifying effect upon colors, propor-
tions, details of structure, etc.

Under cultivation, the growth of tubers, roots, stalks, leaves, etc.,
changes. Thus it may be expected that the plant functions from
which arise the odorous, alkaloidal or other active principles will
also vary between wild and cultivated plants. As to the nature and
extent of the effects of cultivation upon the production of these me-
dicinal principles, we have no tangible knowledge. My impression
is that in our first attempts we shall do too much cultivation.

The most virile drug plants that we know are for the most part
wild. They live a savage life. Their vital force is the accumula-
tion of ages of struggle in the winds and storms of the wilderness ;
rooted in the black mold rich in the decay of countless preceding
generations, a change from barbarism to civilization, from the for-
est to the conservatory, must cause a marked reaction.

Weeds are always stronger than the cultivated plant. Thus it
seems to me that when we bring wild medicinal plants from another
country to our own, we had best plant them out in the fields under
as nearly as possible the same surroundings as were experienced in
their habitat. In other words, let them grow as weeds. It may
be that in this way we can utilize some of our fallow lands and waste
ground.

Every pharmacist can do his part to help along the cause of drug
culture. The Michigan University, with a few acres, and Frederick
T. Gordon, with a garden bed, have given us helpful examples.

Every college of pharmacy should have a college farm. Through
the aid of this farm and the college laboratory the question of soil,
climate and fertilization, as well as other influences upon the plant
constituents, can be studied.

In England many country chemists, and on the Continent the
rural Apotheker, give considerable attention to, and derive a profit-
able income from, the cultivation and gathering of medicinal plants.

1.6

Syrup of Iodide of Iron.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ January, 1901.

Some of these have achieved quite an enviable reputation for
preparations made from plants of their own culture.

Could not American pharmacists in the rural districts take up
drug culture, and might it not be a notable feature to be able to
advertise : " Rhubard, ipecac and jalap fresh from our own drug
farm?"

Pharmacists can invoke the assistance of agricultural experiment
stations. Many of these institutions can and will carry out experi-
ments and give reports which from a horticultural standpoint will
be of value.

Cultivation of good-sized plots in a variety of locations with
records of soil, climate and results, while it may not prove im-
mediately remunerative, will furnish a vast amount of information
and interest. Wholesale druggists can materially assist by supply-
ing seeds which are authentic and reliable.

As an easy and instructive experiment for the beginner, I suggest
the cultivation of certain alkaloidai plants which are indigenous
(stramonium, hydrastis, etc.), with a view of obtaining records of
assay of wild and cultivated drugs grown in the same locality.

In a succeeding communication I shall bring together notes of
methods followed in the cultivation of certain medicinal plants
which have come under my observation.

THE DISCOLORATION OF SYRUP OF IODIDE OF IRON.
By F. W. Haussmann.

The causes of the color change in syrup of ferrous iodide have
frequently been investigated, and the published statements resulting
from these researches cannot be regarded as conclusive.

Chemical decomposition of the ferrous iodide, indicated by the
liberation of iodine, or the formation of ferric compounds, furnish the
basis upon which the majority of investigators agree. A considera-
tion of the process of preparation, involving the several steps,
especially the common mistake of the tyro to filter the iron solu-
tion while yet brown, will readily explain the universal acceptance
of such statements.

It has, however, been observed by many pharmacists that the
syrup, despite the efforts at preservation by following a number of

A.m. Jour. Pharm. \
January, 1901. J

Syrup of Iodide of Iron.

contradictory suggestions, such as exposure to direct sunlight on
one hand and entire exclusion of light on the other, gradually
turns darker.

The fact that application of the starch test gave negative evi-
dence of the presence of free iodine indicated the necessity of
another explanation.

This was believed to be found by advancing the theory that a
ferric compound is formed, and the statement that ferrous iodide
changed to ferric iodide or oxyiodide was accepted as conclusive.

This change probably takes place if an aqueous solution of
ferrous iodide is evaporated with the view of obtaining the salt,
but, based upon results obtained from the examination of a number
of specimens of various age and shade of color, the writer ques-
tions if this takes place in the syrup.

In an examination of some fifteen discolored samples not one
reacted for the presence of ferric compounds.

This result practically excludes this theory, and the cause of dis-
coloration must be sought elsewhere.

Recently the action of free acids upon syrups has received atten-
tion, and the changes produced thereby have been described. Con-
siderable work still remains to be done in this direction, and the
action of metallic salts, in particular those of an acid reaction, upon
saccharine solutions demands exhaustive investigation*

Regarding the reaction of ferrous iodide, the statements of the
Pharmacopoeia are contradictory, the saccharated iodide being
stated to have a slightly acid and the syrup a neutral reaction.
Founded on the results of an investigation carried on for some time,
the writer inclines to the belief that the action of the iron salt, with-
out itself undergoing any chemical change, causes discoloration of
the syrup.

The amount of heat employed in preparing the syrup also has an
important influence.

The following reasons may serve to substantiate these assertions :

Ferrous iodide is not the only iron salt which, with the influence
of heat, causes darkening in syrup.

A syrup of ferrous sulphate, containing 10 per cent, of the salt,
prepared by dissolving sugar in an aqueous solution and heating to
boiling, on standing from 4 to 6 months with exposure to light,
turned from a light green to a brown color.

Examination at the expiration of six months, with the view of

Syrup of Iodide of Iron.

J Am. Jour. Phariru
t January, 1901.

determining the possible formation of a ferric compound, gave a
negative result.

Identical results were obtained with a syrup containing 10 per
cent, of ferrous chloride.

The influence o( temperature is demonstrated by the fact that
syrups prepared by dissolving the sugar in the iron solution at a
temperature below the boiling point, possess greater stability than
those heated to boiling.

The addition of hypophosphorous or other acids exerts no influ-
ence except to prevent the liberation of iodine.

Several specimens of the syrup to which hypophosphorous acid
was added, originally of a bright green color, have gradually turned
brown.

The premature addition of an acid may cause the syrup to rapidly
change in color.

In an instance, where this possibility was considered, the addition
of hypophosphorous acid to a boiling bright green syrup was fol-
lowed by an immediate change to dark brown.

This points to the necessity of adding the acid only to the per-
fectly cold syrup.

This color change may also be noticed if a small quantity of the
syrup, either with or without an addition of acid, be heated to boil-
ing and the heat continued. Caramelization will be the consequence.

Brief mention may be made of the restoration of discolored
syrups of iodide of iron.

Specimens containing free iodine may* be restored by the well-
known practice of digestion with iron filings.

Care in the regulation of heat must be observed, and addition of
a sufficient amount of water to restore the original weight of the
syrup should not be neglected.

A syrup, in which the brown color is due to caramelization, is
difficult of restoration.

Animal charcoal will remove some of the brown color, but the
writer has never been able to completely restore the original bright
green color by this method. • §

It may incidentally be mentioned, that if further investigations
should prove this action of iron salts upon saccharine solutions to be
true, the color change in elixirs containing scaled iron salts, which
is the source of much annoyance to the pharmacist, is thereby ex-
plained.

A January Pi 901 m } Pharmacists Apparatus Stand. 19.

PHARMACISTS' APPARATUS STAND.

By J. Percy Remington, B.S.

A stand adapted for supporting all kinds of apparatus used in
the daily work of the store and laboratory has been a desideratum
for many years.

The busy pharmacist has to perform every day many operations
that require the use of apparatus of various size and shape. Per-
colation, filtration, evaporation, distillation and testing all require
the use of such vessels, and the problem of devising a stand for
holding these firmly, and in the proper position, is one of far-
reaching importance.

How often has the pharmacist, harassed by a multitude of exact-
ing duties and interruptions, started an operation, and after care-
fully selecting the materials and setting up the apparatus, had the
flimsy stand upon which he was depending break down and upset
the vessel, thus losing time, patience, apparatus, results and possibly
a suit of clothes. Or it may be that after several operations have
been started and are under way an emergency arises and a sudden
call forces the operator to start another filtration ; he finds that his
single retort stand is crowded to its full capacity, and he looks
despairingly at the limited counter space at his disposal, which he
dare not encroach upon.

The ordinary ring stand has been, so far, the only means of sup-
plying support for the various pieces of apparatus in constant use
by the pharmacist. For a long time it has been evident that a new
device, which would satisfy all the various needs, is an actual neces-
sity. These ring stands are constructed of a rod screwed into an
iron base, the ring clamps being secured to the upright rod by
thumbscrews. They are not made strong enough to stand the
weight which is often put upon them, the number of positions in
which the rings can be placed is very limited, and they do not vary
sufficiently in size to be of equal value for the needs of all stores.

The points which must be taken into consideration in devising;
something which will fulfil all the requirements are : That the
apparatus shall be sufficiently strong to support a heavy weight
likely to be put upon it; that it may be so adjustable that the rings
may be put in any position necessary ; that it may be compact
enough to occupy very little space (and this to be the least valu-

^^uary,Pi9oim'} Pharmacists Apparatus Stand. 21

able) ; that it may be so constructed that it may be made of any
dimensions to fit the space available ; and that it may be enlarged
or diminished in size, to suit the needs of the business.

The stand which is here described is the result of an effort to
supply all these requirements. It is constructed of two upright
tubes of heavy iron, secured firmly at the bottom by counter plates.
Two parallel, horizontal, double tubes are arranged so as to slide
up and down these upright tubes, and made secure by means of
thumbscrews at each end. This completes the framework of the
stand. The ring clamps, instead of being all in one piece, as in the
ordinary stands, are made in two parts, the clamp composing one
part, and the rings, with 1 2-inch shanks, the other part. The
shanks of the rings are passed through two openings in the clamps,
and are made secure by thumbscrews. The clamps are of two
kinds, those which slide horizontally on the double tubes, and those
which slide vertically on the upright tubes. The shafts of the
rings are all of the same size, so that they can be used with either
form of clamp, the rings varying in diameter from 3 inches to
7 inches.

All the thumbscrews are of brass, so as to prevent the possi-
bility of rusting, and the castings are of malleable iron, so that the
chance of breakage is very slight. The framework, being all
composed of heavy iron tubing, is sufficiently strong and firm to
uphold any weight which would be likely to be put upon it, and
every part is constructed with a view to withstand hard usage.

It will be readily seen that the adjustability of this apparatus
stand is complete. It is possible to get any desired position of the
rings in the three dimensions of space, upward or downward, right
or left, backward or forward.

The space which it occupies when not in use and the rings re-
moved is very small. The frame stands on the counter 4 inches
from the wall, thus taking up the room which is least valuable, and
leaving all the front part of the counter available for other pur-
poses. As the amount of space varies considerably in different
stores, the advantage which this stand possesses in being made of
iron tubing which can be cut in any length to suit the space avail-
able, and the fact that it can be screwed to the counter or to the
wall, or suspended from a shelf or the ceiling, will commend it to
the practical and busy pharmacist.

22 Assay of Belladonna Root, {A January St1^

THE ASSAY OF BELLADONNA ROOT AND ITS SOLID

EXTRACT.

By Arthur Wayne Clark, B.S.

Having occasion constantly to handle samples of large quantities
of the root of Atropa Belladonna used in preparing solid extract for
use in belladonna plasters, the writer has had some experience with
about all the standard methods of assay, and while little that is new
is herein described, yet the method of procedure is given in detail,
believing this attention to minutia to be a necessity to success and
lack of such information the chief difficulty in working out a
rational method for one's own constant use.

In favor of the method here described, it can be said that it is
quite accurate, and yet can be carried out with a relatively short
amount of time actually given to the work.

The method of extraction used is hot extraction with a reflux
condenser, and while this and the other parts of the process require
about twelve consecutive hours for the completion of one assay, still
the total time given to the work need not exceed three or four hours,
and during the shaking-out process the work can be left for any
length of time necessary; in fact the longer the better. Besides
this, duplicate assays can readily be managed at the same time,
thus effecting a considerable saving of labor.

The objection is sometimes made to hot extraction of belladonna
root, that there is a possibility of loss of alkaloid from the heat
applied, but the writer could never see the force of this argument,
for practically all the methods ever proposed finish by evaporating
down the alkaloidal solution in chloroform or ether, thus applying
the very heating process objected to above.

The fact that the mixed menstruum boils at 65 0 C. would seem
also to make it impossible that there should be any loss from this
source.

The advantages of hot reflux extraction are that it can be carried
out much more quickly than a cold percolation, is more economical
of menstruum, an important factor where a large number of assays
is constantly being performed for commercial purposes, and it re-
quires no attention whatever after the heat is once regulated, pro-
vided, of course, there is sufficient water-bath capacity to run for
the required time.

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
January, 1901. J

Assay of Belladonna Root.

More important than all these considerations is the fact that, on
account of the concentrated character of the menstruum used, there
is very little inert resinous matter carried through, and consequently
the shaking-out part of the assay is free from this serious complica-
tion, always present in assaying an ordinary extract. Presumably,
because of this feature, emulsification of the alkaline solution is
quite infrequent instead of being the rule, as in assaying an extract.

METHOD OF PROCEDURE.

Weigh out in a tared beaker about 20 grammes of the root
ground moderately fine. It is not necessary to weigh closer than
the third decimal place in grammes, as an error of -00 1 gramme
here is not appreciable in the percentage result. Pour the weighed
contents of the beaker carefully into a clean, smooth porcelain dish,
of 1 8 or 20 centimetres diameter, tapping the beaker to shake out
as much of the root as possible.

The menstruum used is that advised by Dunstan and Ranson, and
is manipulated as follows : Mix up 6o c.c. or 70 c.c. of equal parts
by volume of absolute alcohol and chloroform, and take about one-
quarter of the mixture to moisten the root in the porcelain dish.
Pour this portion of the alcohol-chloroform mixture first, into the
tared beaker, whirling it around to collect the fine particles of root
which adhered to the glass, then pour it into the dish and mix up
well with a clean spatula until the root is evenly moistened.

Now take the inside glass cup of the reflux extractor, which
should be about I inch in diameter and 3 inches deep, put in the
bottom an absorbent cotton plug moistened with the alcohol-chloro-
form mixture and, holding the cup over the dish so as to catch in
the latter any that falls, carefully transfer with a spatula a little root
at a time into the cup, packing it in gently with a large, smoothly-
rounded glass rod, finally shaking off any particles of root adhering
to the rod and spatula.

Prepare a small wad of absorbent cotton for the top of the
packed root, moisten it with some of the mixture and use one side
of it as a mop to take up the last particles of the moistened root
from the porcelain dish, spatula and rod.

Now place this cotton on top of the root packed in the glass cup,
putting the side downwards that was used as a mop.

On top of the whole place sufficient clean lead shot to cover it
and to hold it down.

Assay of Belladonna Root.

/ Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ January, 1901.

Now set up the reflux condenser, add the rest of the 60 c.c. or 70
c.c. alcohol-chloroform and heat on a water- bath, extracting for seven
hours. Presuming the rate of percolation to be 60 or 70 drops per
minute, there will pass through the 20 grammes root about 1,500 c.c.
of the hot menstruum or about seventy-five times its weight, a much
larger proportion than is ever used in a slow cold extraction.

The above-described method of moistening and packing (the granu-
lated root) is sufficiently accurate if reasonable care is exercised in
carrying it out.

The percolate containing the alkaloid is now transferred to a sep-
aratory funnel and the alkaloid dissolved out by shaking with 20 c.c.
dilute H2S04 (j£ per cent.).

Sometimes the fluids seem to mix and there is no separation or
line of demarcation. If this is the case, add 10 c.c. or 15 c.c. water,
shake again and the chloroform layer will be precipitated on stand-
ing about a minute, leaving eventually a clean-cut line between the
liquids.

Since the chloroform solution separates as a bottom stratum, it
must be drawn off first into a clean beaker, after which the acid solu-
tion is run out, well drained and put aside and the chloroform solu-
tion returned to the separator.

The chloroform solution is then shaken again with 15 c.c. dilute
acid, separated in the same way and shaken again with 10 c.c. of the
dilute acid. Quite frequently it will be found that the third shaking
out will cause emulsification of the two liquids. If this happens it
can be instantly remedied by adding 10 c.c. or 15 c.c. more of the
original mixture of alcohol and chloroform in equal volumes and
shaking up again after adding it.

There is no use in carefully washing out the stem of the funnel,
etc., between each of these operations, as the minute quantity of
solution adhering to it is simply carried over and is again separated
in a much diluted condition next time.

There is usually a small quantity of flocculent precipitate and dirt
collected at the line of separation in these acid extractions, and
wherever such occurs to any appreciable extent, the dirt should be
run out with the chloroform stratum, bringing the clean edge of the
acid layer down to the bottom of the opening in the stop-cock.
Sometimes a minute amount of the acid solution has to be allowed
to go through with the dirt, but this again will be diluted and

Aj^uTy,Pi9oirm-} Assay of Belladonna Root. 25

reseparated next time, so that the loss will not be appreciated if
the operation is carried out with care.

If in the third separation there is so much dirt present that there
is danger of a very incomplete separation, then it is well to make a
fourth extraction, using 10 c.c. acid again, but three extractions are
usually amply sufficient.

This procedure leaves the acid solutions clear of insoluble matter,,
and thereby the alkaline extraction next carried out will be uncom-
plicated by its presence.

The three mixed acid solutions are now put into a clean separator,
20 c.c. 10 per cent, ammonia and 20 c.c. chloroform added, the
whole violently shaken for several minutes and then allowed to
stand.

The chloroform layer should fall down in five or ten minutes',
leaving a clean-cut line between the two strata. The chloroform
solution is then drawn off and set aside and the extraction repeated
with 15 c.c. and again with 10 ex. chloroform. Twirling and rock-
ing the separator will greatly assist the rapid separation of the two
liquids and sometimes the separation takes place almost instantly.

Sometimes an emulsion is formed and great difficulty is experi-
enced in causing a separation, in which case an easy remedy is at
hand in the very valuable suggestion of Moerk (Am. Jour. Phar.,
March, 1899), to put a few small flakes of stearic acid in the sepa-
rator and shake up violently again. It is remarkable to witness the
immediate separation of the two fluids, and as Moerk has proved
that the stearic acid does not influence the result, this method has
been used many times with great satisfaction, more especially, how-
ever, in extract assays, as it is seldom needed in direct root assays
made as above.

In these alkaline extractions any sediment that collects at the
line of separation should not be drawn off, but must be left in the
upper aqueous stratum, and, after the third extraction, washed by
adding a small amount of chloroform and running it out without
shaking, but leaving the dirt behind, the chloroform being added to
the rest. Care must be taken to draw off only the clear solution.
This also rinses out the stem and should not be omitted.

The chloroform solutions are now all filtered through absorbent
cotton into an Ehrlenmeyer flask of about 300 c.c. capacity and
evaporated on a water-bath to a brown varnish-like residue, finally

26 Assay of Belladonna Root. {A™klll^ml™

blowing air into the flask to remove all chloroform and to carry out
any free ammonia which may be present. Now add about io c.c.
chloroform, shake up and evaporate down again as before, to assist
in driving off any ammonia. This residue is then titrated as directed
later on. Ether should not be substituted here for chloroform, as
the writer has found ether to be almost invariably acid, which being
the case, it will ruin the result.

The water-bath should be heated by steam, as any open flame
nearby will decompose the chloroform vapors to hydrochloric acid,
filling the room with its fumes and possibly neutralizing some of
the alkaloid in the flask. The operation can, however, be carried
out over a bath heated by a flame, if there is a good ventilation to
remove the vapors, and the contents of the flask are kept boiling
hard.

In the shaking-out process the writer experienced considerable
trouble with the spitting of the solutions from the mouth of the
separator when the stopper was removed after shaking. The U.S.P.
advises that the best way to control this in these separators is to
shake the contents slightly before putting in the stopper, but this
scheme was not at all successful in preventing the trouble, due
probably to the warmth of the hand in shaking the very volatile
contents of the separator. An easy solution of the difficulty, how-
ever, was found in putting the stopper in tightly, shaking up as
usual and allowing to separate without relieving the pressure, and
then, when ready to draw off, opening the outlet cock slightly and
allowing the pressure to exert itself in gently blowing out the lower
stratum through its natural outlet. After a few cubic centimetres
have been expelled the pressure will have expended itself, the cock
can be closed and the stopper removed without harm, after which
the solution can be run off as usual.

As to the method of titrating the alkaloidal residue from the
three mixed chloroform solutions, the writer finds that the best way
is to dissolve the brown residue in about 5 c.c. neutral alcohol in
the cold, then add about 100 c.c. distilled water and three drops of
1 per cent, alcoholic haematoxylin solution. This is then titrated

at once with twentieth normal hydrochloric acid HQ J to a

pure yellow color, the neutral point being indicated by the absence
of any trace of red.

Am. Jour. Pharm. )
January, 1901. J

Assay of Belladonna Root.

With a little practice on alkaline solutions this point can usually
be read to a drop, but it is well to note the neutral point and then

run over it and titrate back with — alkali to the first indication of

any tint, thus confirming the former reading. The number of cubic

centimetres acid used multiplied by '0145, the — . factor for atropine,

gives the weight of alkaloid present in the 20 grammes root.

It seems to have been the practice among some chemists to dis-
solve the alkaloidal residue in a measured excess of the standard
acid and titrate back with alkali, but solution in alcohol is very
much easier and quicker and also gives more accurate results, for
the writer has found that the acid dissolves the thick gummy resi-
due very slowly and leaves a quantity of flocculent insoluble matter
floating in the solution, rendering a close color-observation practi-
cally impossible. By dissolving in alcohol this does not take place
until an excess of the acid has been added and by that time the
operation is finished.

The accuracy of this method compared to the direct acid solution
was tested by taking a chloroform solution from an assay and divid-
ing it in half, each half being evaporated down in a separate flask,
N

one dissolved in HC1 and the other in alcohol. The results were

exactly alike, except that the correct neutral point was much more
easily seen in the alcohol solution. The presence of the small
amount of alcohol, therefore, has no influence on the result and its
use is very beneficial both in regard to time and accuracy.

For some reason which has not been ascertained, the alkaloidal
solution colored with hematoxylin will sometimes turn a greenish
or purplish color as the acid is added to it, but this apparently does
not influence the result, as the point of disappearance of the color is
as clearly defined as though the color were a clean red, the final
yellow being the same as usual.

ASSAY OF THE SOLID EXTRACT.

The best method of procedure in assaying the solid extract has
proved to be as follows :

Weigh out in a tared beaker 4 or 5 grammes extract and with a
glass rod rub it up smooth with 10 c.c. or 15 c.c.-J^ per cent. H2S04,

Assay of Belladonna Root.

I Am. Jour. Pharm.
( January, 1901.

pouring the mixture into a separator. Rinse out the beaker several
times in the same way with smaller quantities of the dilute acid,
transferring each portion to the separator. Now wash the acid
mixture in the separator by shaking with 20 c.c. and again with 1 5 c.c.
chloroform, running the chloroform out as waste. Take care to draw
off only the clear solution. Next rinse this waste chloroform by
shaking very gently in another separator with 10 c.c. dilute sul-
phuric acid, throwing away the chloroform and returning the acid
to the rest of the acid washings in the first separator.

Neutralize the acid solution in the separator by adding 20 c.c. IO
per cent, ammonia and extract the alkaloid by shaking with 20 c.c,
15 c.c. and 10 c.c. chloroform exactly as in the root assay. There
will be a very considerable quantity of brown flocculent material
collected at the line of separation, floating in the chloroform and
extending down through it so that sometimes only very little clear
chloroform solution can be drawn off at first. As nothing must be
removed but this clear solution, it will often require as much as an
hour to complete each separation, although it can be done more
quickly with some samples. The use of stearic acid is usually neces-
sary in these separations, for in many cases emulsification is so com-
plete that the liquids would never separate without its aid.

When separation begins the only way to work is to draw off the
first clear part, bringing the floating material down to the top of the
hole in the stop-cock; then by rocking, twirling and tapping, fol-
lowed by several minutes' standing, the floating material will draw
up or float to the top of the chloroform, packing together or solidi-
fying so to speak, and leaving some more of the clear chloroform to
be drawn off as before.

The same procedure is repeated generally five or six times with
each separation until the bulk of the flocculent sediment is reduced
in size as much as possible, after which the next portion of chloro-
form is added to the separator, shaken up and separated little by
little in the same way.

After the third separation is done add about 10 c.c. chloroform
and draw it off without shaking, adding it to the rest as before, this
being done to dilute the small amount of alkaloid solution remain-
ing in the separator, so that the loss will be inappreciable.

Shaking out the extract in this way consumes considerably more
time than is the case with the assay of the root direct, due to the

Aljanw>fi9oim'} Note 011 Benzoinated Lard. 29

presence of resinous matter and other inert materials. It can, how-
ever, be accomplished with extreme accuracy if the operator will
work patiently with the alkaline extractions as directed.

These chloroform solutions of the alkaloid are now mixed, evapor-
ated down and titrated exactly as described above in the assay of
the root.

J. Ellwood Lee Company Laboratory.

NOTE ON BENZOINATED LARD.
By Me^vin W. Bamford.

Having recently had considerable trouble with benzoinated lard
made from commercial lard because of the impurities in it, the
writer visited a pork-packing establishment in order to obtain some
information on the subject, and while there secured a quantity of
what is known to the trade as " Pure Leaf Lard," which really is
the leaf fat as it is obtained from the hog.

From this fat there was made a quantity of lard by the process
recommended by Professor Redwood, and adopted by the British
Pharmacopoeia. After removing as much of the membrane and
tissue as possible, the fat is simply heated at a temperature not
exceeding 1500 F., and as the lard separates from the membrane, it
is strained through flannel into another vessel. It will be noticed
that there is no water used in the process, the advantage being
that the lard thus made contains absolutely no water.

This lard was then benzoinated by the United States Pharmaco-
pceial process, and the resultant product was found to be perfectly
sweet and smooth, and to have an agreeable odor of vanilla.

The actual cost of the preparation, making an allowance of 10
per cent, for waste and 20 per cent, for labor, is about 12*4 cents a
pound. There are several makes of benzoinated lard on the market
which are fully as good as this product; but the cost of these is
from 20 to 25 cents a pound, so that the saving should be sufficient
inducement to the pharmacist to make it himself. In addition to
this* he will have the satisfaction of knowing that he has an abso-
lutely pure preparation.

30 Note on Warburg s Tincture. {A jiiSSfyJwof.111"

NOTE ON WARBURG'S TINCTURE.1

By Ferdinand A. Sieker.

The first and second editions of the National Formulary state
that "each fluid ounce contains 10 grains of quinine sulfate."

The first edition of the National Formulary directs 1,280 grains
of quinine sulfate in 8 pints of tincture, which is equivalent to
10 grains of quinine sulfate in each fluid ounce.

The second edition of this work directs 100 grammes (1,543-2
grains) of quinine sulfate in 5,000 c.c. (169-07 fluid ounces), which is
equivalent to 9-131 grains of quinine sulfate in I fluid ounce, and
not 10 grains as is intended.

The original formula for Warburg's tincture directed 10 ounces
(Troy) of " quinia" for the amount of tincture resulting from 500
fluid ounces of proof spirit. If the yield is regarded as 480 fluid
ounces, then 1 fluid ounce contains 10 grains of "quinia." There-
fore, 10 grains in I fluid ounce may be regarded as correct.

The amount of quinine sulfate in my formula (Amer. Jour.
Pharm., Vol. 72, p. 573) is based on the quantity directed by the
second edition of the National Formulary, which is not quite cor-
rect. My formula should therefore be corrected as follows :

Use 219 grammes of quinine sulfate instead of 200 grammes,
and 24 grammes of sulfuric acid instead of 22 grammes.

The formula for the modified tincture (Amer. Jour. Pharm., Vol.
72, p. 575) should therefore read: Use 73 grammes of each, cin-
chonine sulfate, cinchonidine sulfate and chinoidine pure, instead of
66-66 grammes.

The quantities of fibrous vegetable drugs, etc., given in my for-
mula are also somewhat larger than directed by the National For-
mulary. The quantities are computed according to the original
formula published in England, where in compounding the Troy
ounce is used for solids and the fluid ounce for liquids.

Laboratory of Lehn & Fink, New York.

1 Refer to Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1900, Vol. 72, pp. 571 to 575.

Am.

'm-} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy.

FORMULA FOR ELIXIR OF HEROIN AND TERPIN

HYDRATE.1
By T. B. McCuntock.

Powder the terpin hydrate and dissolve it in the glycerin by the
careful application of heat. Dissolve the heroin in 2 fluid ounces
of the alcohol, adding to the solution the spirit of bitter almond and
the compound spirit of orange. When the solution of terpin hy-
drate has cooled, mix the two solutions and then add the syrup of
wild cherry and sufficient alcohol to make I pint of the finished
elixir.

RECENT LITERATURE RELATING TO PHARMACY.

This is a silver white alloy composed of aluminum and magne-
sium. It is not affected by air and water, and even withstands the
oxygen acids to a great extent, but is attacked by alkalies. The
specific gravity ranges from 2 to 2-2 at 150 C. It can be rolled into
sheets and drawn into wire. The reflective power is very high,
and it does not absorb the ultra-violet. These properties, together
with its low density and high rigidity, make it a very superior ma-
terial for specula. — Brit. Jour. Phot., 1900, 47, 2090.

The recently opened up mining district near Iterbira, Brazil, is
producing a large quantity of very pure black oxide of manganese.
This ore is apparently the remains of a manganiferous limestone
from which the limestone has been removed. It is a hard metallic-
looking ore, interstratified with about 20 per cent, of the hydrated
manganese, which seems to contain the greater amount of the im-

Heroin

Terpin hydrate

Spirit of bitter almond (5 per cent.)
Compound spirit of orange ....

Syrup of wild cherry

Glycerin . :

Alcohol, q. s

3 dr., 12 gr.

10 m.
15 m.

. 2 fl. oz.

11 fl. oz.
1 O.

MAGNALIUM.

L. F. Kebler.

MANGANESE DIOXIDE IN BRAZIL.

JThe above formula was received from the author and was recommended as
having proven quite satisfactory in the hands of some of the physicians of his
acquaintance. — Ed.

32 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. {A j^aryfigoi.111'

purities. The dried (ioo° C.) material from a cargo will assay from
50 to 55 per cent, of metallic manganese. The moisture varies from
10 to 20 per cent. The quality seems to be the same deeper down
in the mine. It is estimated that the amount of ore in sight on one
property is 2,000,000 tons. The ore outcrops on hills; can be
mined without motive power, and run directly into railway bins,
without picking, by means of shoots. — H. K. Scott, Iron and Steel
Inst., spring meeting, 1 900. L. F. K.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SALA AMALGAM.

The oldest known natural silver amalgam is found at Sala,
Sweden. Two distinct varieties have been analyzed, correspond-
ing to the formula Ag2Hg3 and Ag5Hg6. The gold amalgams of
Columbia and California correspond to the formula Au2Hg3.
— H. Sjogren, from Chem. Ztg. Rep., 1900, 24, 151. L. F. K.

THE PROTEOLYTIC ENZYME OF GERMINATED BARLEY.

Whether germinated barley contains a proteolytic enzyme or not
is a much mooted question. Eminent investigators have arrived at
different results. The workers below, being dissatisfied with the
present state of affairs, determined to remove the darkness if possi-
ble. A 10 per cent, solution of gelatine was treated with the sub-
stance under examination. The material was rendered antiseptic
by means of thymol and the mixture kept in an incubator at 20°
to 400 C. The gelatine solution was cooled from time to time to
5° C. and examined for the first appearance of liquefaction at this
temperature. It was found that an enzyme capable of liquefying
gelatine is certainly present in malt. The enzyme may be extracted
by very dilute acetic acid or digestion with water at any tempera-
ture below 320 C. It is almost, if not quite, destroyed by mashing
at 700 C.

The presence of acetic acid favors its growth, but liquefaction
of gelatine is much more rapid if the extract is slightly alkaline.
The enzyme appears to be of a trypsin nature. Only traces of the
enzyme occur in the ungerminated barley, but the increase is marked
when germination begins and continues until the seedling be-
comes green. — W. Windisch and B. Schellhorn, Woch. fur Brau.,
1900, 23, 334. L. F. K.

A"janua?yfi9oim'} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 33

THE PRODUCTION OF CRYSTALS OF MERCURIC AND MERCUROUS IODIDE

IN THE WET WAY.

By adding ethyl or methyl iodide (preferably the latter) to an
aqueous solution of mercuric acetate or mercurous nitrate, then
shaking and allowing the mixture to stand in the cold, there are
slowly formed crystals of mercuric or mercurous iodide. The
former are bright red transparent plates and the latter are bright
yellow needles.— F. Bodroux, Co nip. rend., 130, 1622.

L. F. K.

CERIC SULPHATES.

Two eerie sulphates exist, the one yellow in color and the other
red. The former is of simple constitution, the latter of a complica-
ted structure. By dissolving cerium hydroxide in concentrated
sulphuric acid and evaporating the solution, then recrystallizing
from water, the yellow sulphate is always obtained in the first crys-
tals and the reddish-brown sulphate then generally comes down
afterwards as large crystals. Careful analysis shows the yellow sul-
phate to have the formula Ce(S04)2,4H20 and that the red salt is
Ce2(S04)3,2Ce(S04)2,2H20.

In the red salt the metal exists in both the trivalent and tetrava-
lent forms in equal amounts. The yellow compound dissolves to a
cleat yellow solution in water, but the red salt is at once decomposed
by water into insoluble basic compounds.— -W. Muthmann and L.
Stutzel, Ber. d. Chem. GeseL, 33, 1763. L. F. K.

LITHIUM PEROXIDE.

On mixing hydrogen peroxide (what strength ?) with a 5 or 6 per
cent, solution of lithium hydroxide, then adding an equal volume of
absolute alcohol and allowing the whole to stand, beautiful colorless
crystals are deposited, having the following formula : Li202.H202.-
3H20. When placed into a vacuum with phosphorus pentoxide,
these crystals gradually lose water and leave practically nothing
but anhydrous lithium peroxide, Li202. — de Forcrand, Comp. rend.y
130, 1465. L. F. K.

TO PREVENT THE INTOXICATING EFFECT OF ALCOHOL.

L. Meyer, Eng. Pat. No. 6453, Apr. 6, 1900.
This patent covers a preparation consisting of burnt powdered
coffee bean and olive oil (neither of which is new), to be taken

34 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. { A j^arryfi9oi.m'

either directly or in the form of capsules, pills (?), lozenges (?),
etc. L. F. K.

GLYCERO-SODIUM BORATE.

This compound of the Russian Pharmacopoeia has been shown to
be a mixture of the tri- and tetra-glycero-sodium borate and not a
true chemical compound. A less hygroscopic preparation can be
produced as follows: Mix 120 grammes glycerin (sp. gr. 1-255) with
IOO grammes of borax and heat until the glassy mass becomes
thready. It is then partially cooled and rolled into sticks. This
compound is tetra-glycero-sodium borate of the formula (C3H5)4-
(H2B03)2(HNaB03)2(OH)60, is readily soluble in alcohol and water
and melts at 1530 to 1540 C— E. Schazki, Chem. Ztg. Rep,, 1900,
24, 148. L. F. K.

CRYSTALLIZATION OF AMORPHOUS SUGAR.

The presence of crystals, acting as nuclei, is conducive to the
crystallization of amorphous sugar. Alkali salts, which to a cer-
tain extent prevent the formation of invert sugar, induce crystal,
lization, while the other organic salts do not exert this influence.
Light assists crystallization, but invert sugar retards it, and the
retardation is proportional to the amount of invert sugar present. —
F. G. Wiechmann, Bull. I' Assoc. des Chim. de Sucr. et de Dist, 1900,
17, 745. L. F. K.

THE PREPARATION OF ETHYL AND METHYL ALCOHOLS FROM THE COR-
RESPONDING HYDROCARBONS.

A German patent has been taken out for the production of the
above alcohols by the direct union of the corresponding hydrocar-
bons and oxygen. These gases are mixed with a quantity of
oxygen or air insufficient for complete combustion and the mixture
passed through a tube containing a red-hot catalytic mass. If plat-
inum is employed as the catalytic agent, oxidation proceeds too far,
and the result is fatty acids only. The less energetic catalytic
agents, such as asbestos, pumice stone, the various forms of copper
or certain mixtures of the above, are the most suitable. — From
y. Soc. Chem. Ind., 19, 684. L. F. K.

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
January, 1901. J

Editorial,
EDITORIAL.1

THE SPECIALIST AND THE PHARMACOPOEIA.

In the Pharmaceutical Journal for May, 1900, p. 523, Mr. E. M,
Holmes comments upon and takes exception to some of the state-
ments in an editorial note on " Vegetable Drugs in the U.S.P.,"
which appeared in the American Journal of Pharmacy, May, 1900,
p. 236, and which was reprinted in the Pharm. Jour., June 23, 1900,
p. 669.

It may be well to state at the outset that the editor lays no claim
to being considered a specialist, or an authority or critic on botanical
nomenclature, or the subject of the origin of foreign drugs ; and any
statements which he may have made must, of necessity, have been
based upon the authority of some one else.

In a previous editorial note (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1900, p. 138)
the writer sanctioned the view of an American botanist2 (Proc. A,
Ph. A., 1898, p. 242) that Engler and Prantl's " Pflanzenfamilien "
should replace Bentham and Hooker's " Genera Plantarum " as our
authority. It so happens that the statements to which Mr. Holmes
takes exceptions are for the most part those which have received
the sanction of the aforesaid authority, viz., Engler and Prantl, and
which have been prepared by the numerous experts in systematic
botany who have contributed to this monumental work. I pre-
sent herewith the language used by these experts in their
descriptions of certain of the drugs considered by me, as also the
exact references, and a careful comparison with the editorial note
referred to will show the origin of the information therein presented.
The exact references were not given previously, as it was considered
sufficient to merely mention the names of the experts who had con-
tributed this information.

1 The substance of this editorial has already appeared in the Pharm. Jour,,
July 21, 1900, p. 58, in a signed article. Since that time Mr. Holmes has
written another article in reply for Pharm. Jour. y 1900, p. 443.

2 After carefully comparing the merits of Bentham and Hooker's "Genera
Plantarum " with Engler and Prantl's " Die naturlichen Pflanzenfamilien," the
author says : "In view of the considerations above set forth, the writer has no
hesitation in urging upon the Pharmacopoeia Committee that they sustain
their progressive record by adopting the authority of the modern work " [viz. :
the work of Engler and Prantl.— H. K.].

Editorial.

( Am. Jour. Pharrru
\ January, 1901.

MYRRH.

In the consideration of myrrh, H. Engler (in E. and P., III. Theil,
4. Abth., Bog. 16-18, p. 255) says:

" C. abyssinica (Berg), Engl., liefert wie durch Deflers und Pro-
fessor Schweinfurth festgestellt ist, die echte Myrrhe, Myrrha
oder Gummi Myrrhae. C. Schimperi (Berg), Engl., enthalt reichlich
Balsam und wiirde gute Myrrhe liefern konnen ; es ist auch nicht
unwahrscheinlich, dass ein Teil der arabischen Myrrhe von dieser
Art abstammt."

COPAIBA.

P. Taubert, in the consideration of the genus Copaiba in E. P., III.
Theil, 3. Abth., Bog. 8-10, p. 131^ says: " Die Mehrzahl der ameri-
kanischen Arten liefern den als Copaiba, Balsam bekannten Harz-
saft : besonders geschatztist derjenige von C. officinalis y Jacq. ; ebenso
wertwollen Balsam liefern C. guyanensis (Desf.), O. Ktze., und C. ntul-
tizuga (Hayne), O. Ktze., C. confer Hflora (Benth.), O. Ktze., C. coriacea
(Mart.), O. Ktze., C. Langsdorffii (Desf.), O. Ktze., und C.oblongifolia,
Mart. (O. Ktze.)."

TAMARIND.

After describing 7. indicay L., as yielding Pulpa Tamarindi conda,
P. Taubert says (in /did., p. 140): "Auch aus Westindien und Ecuador
wird Tamarindenmuss, als amerikanische Tamarinden, bezeichnet,
ausgefiihrt und in England bevorzugt. Dasselbe stammt von
7. indica, L., var occidentalism Gartn."

BALSAM OF TOLU.

The same author (Ibid., p. 191) says: "Auch 7. peruifera (L.
fil.), Baill., in der nordbstlichen Halfte Sudamerikas heimisch, liefert
geringe Mengen eines festen aromatischen, den Tolubalsam ahnlichen
Harzes."

SUMBUL.

The correction made by Mr. Holmes in his comment on this drug
is apparently warranted, as there seems no question but that
Indian sumbul is yielded by Ferula sumbul (Kffm.), Hook, fil., the
roots of which are said to resemble those of F. Narthex, Boiss.,
the Bombay sumbul being the product of Dorema Amntoniacum.
(See E. P., III. Theil, 8. Abth., Bog. 13-17, p. 232; and Pharma-
cographia, p. 312.)

Am. Jour. Pharrn. \
January, 1901. J

Editorial.

AMMONIAC.

In the consideration of Ammoniac, O. Drude (in E. and P., III.
Theil, 8. Abth., Bog. 13-17, p. 233) says: " Seit dem Jahre 1825
weiss man das seit Dioscorides also Ammoniacum bekannte Gum-
miharz der Gatt. Dorema entstammt, und zwar haupsachlich der
einen, mit grosser Verbreitung von Persien bis tief in die Balchasch-
Alakulwiiste begabten Art, von welcher verschiedene Varietaten
existieren; diese ist Dorema Ammoniacum, D. Don. Gleichfalls
liefern Ammoniak gummi D. aucheri, Boiss., und D. aureum, Stcks,"

STORAX.

F. Niedenzu, in the consideration of the genus Liquidambar (E.
and P., III. Teil, 2. Abth., a., Bog. 7-9, p. 124), says : "Alle Artenfer
Liquidambar (und Altnigia) liefern Storax. Am meisten geschatzt
ist der von L. otientalis stammende, officinelle ' Storax liquidus.' Im
amerikanischen, dort gleichfalls officinellen Storax wies Miller
Storacih, zimmtsaurephenylpropylester und storesin nach ; als
" (Southern) sweet gum " ist das Balsamharz von L. styraciflua ein
bejiebtes Kaumiltel in Centralamerika und den siidatlantischen
Unionsstaaten."

IPECACUANHA.

In the editorial note upon Ipecacuanha no attempt was made to
consider the nomenclature of the subject, as this had already been
done by another writer (see Proc. A. Ph. A., 1898, p. 243). It is
apparent that in citing the present U.S.P. name a typographical
error occurred. The authority for Cephaelis Ipecacuanha is (Brotero)
A. Richard. The other point that Mr. Holmes takes exception to
is a matter of opinion. But the results of experiments which will
throw more light upon this subject, we have reason to believe, will
be forthcoming during the next year.

SARSAPARILLA.

In the consideration of the genus Smilax, A. Engler (in E. and
P., II. Teil, 5. Abth., Bog. 4-6, p. 90) says: " Da in den Handel
nur diese und nicht die dazu gehorigen Stengel und B. gebracht
werden, so ist schwer zu sagen, zu welchen Arten die einzelnen,
anatomisch recht gut unterscheidbaren Handelssorten gehoren.
Doch wird S. medica, Schlecht. et Cham., als Stammpflanze der

Editorial.

(Am. Jour. Pharm»
\ January, 1901.

Oitmexikanischen oder Veracruz-Sarsaparille. S. officinalis, H. B.
K., als die der von Jamaika verschifften Sarsaparille, S. papyraceat
Duham.,in Guiana und Brasilien als Stammpflanze der Para-Sarsa-
parille angesehen ; sicher ist mir die Zugehbrigkeit der Veracruz-
Sarsaparille zu S. medica"

RHUBARB.

U. Dammer, after considering the systematic features of the
genus Rheum and the historical facts pertaining to rhubarb (E. and
P., III. Teil, i. Abth., Bog. 1-3, p. 22), says:

" Zu unterscheiden ist zwischen Kron1- u. Canton2-Rhabarber.
Erstere stammt, wie durch Przewalski unzvveifelhaft festgestellt
wurde, von Rheum palmatum tanguticum (s. "Gartenflora," 1875, p. 3,
und 1882, p. 166), letztere von Rheum officinale, Baill. Vielleicht
geben aber auch andere Rheum-Avten echte Rhabarber-sorten. So
wurde lange zeit Rheum australe, Don, im Himalaya als echte
Rhabarber betrachtet und wahrscheinlich liefern auch einzelne in
Centralasien wachsende Arten, wie R. leucorrhizon, Pallf> und die
klein- urd dickblattrigen Formen von R. rhaponticum, L., des Wes-
etnes Chinas echte Rhabarber, d. h., Wurzeln, die mehr wonder-
iger die gleichen Eigenschaften haben."

Not only were the results of these authorities considered, but
also the investigations of others, as is seen, particularly, in the
paragraphs relating to Myrrh,3 Balsam of Tolu4 and Storax.5

It is not a question, however, as to which of these experts is
right, as this cannot be definitely settled at the present time; but
what shall be the attitude of the Pharmacopoeia in regard to the
results of the labors of the different experts ? The writer said, in
the editorial note referred to, that " the question of the origin of

1 Moskowitsche, russische oder Kronrhabarber (Radix Rhei moscowitici s.
optimi).

2 Chinesische, ostindische oder Canton-Rhabarber.

8 Myrrh. — E. M. Holmes in Pharm. Jour., 1899, p. 295.

*In the National Dispensatory, p. 321, is the statement that "Professor
Baillon regards the tree yielding Peru Balsam as identical with this [the tree
yielding Tolu Balsam. — H. K.], and the difference of the two products as due
to the manner in which they are extracted."

5 Under Iyiquidambar, the National Dispensatory (p. 946) contains the state-
ment that : "It will be observed that sweet gum agrees in composition with
Storax, which, in addition, contains water mechanically mixed with it."

Am. Jour. Pharm,\
January. 1901. J

Editorial.

drugs is in some cases still obscure, and in other cases greater freedom
should be given in the selection of commercial varieties." Why
should the U.S.P. say that Rheum is " the root of Rheum officinale,
Ba'illon, and not recognize with the B.P. and other authorities that
the commercial rhubarb is likely to be the product of a number of
species of Rheum ? " Why should the B.P. say that Jamaica sarsa-
parilla is yielded by Smilax ornata, Hook f., when experts seem to
recognize that the origin of all the sarsaparillas, except the E.
Mexican or Vera Cruz root, is open to question ? Why should not
the pharmacopoeial authorities recognize that in some cases more
than one species may yield the commercial drugs and take cogni-
zance of all the results of acknowledged experts ?

Instead of limiting the number of species, when questions of
doubt exist as to that number, the Pharmacopoeia should append to
its definition of such drugs a clause that " probably or possibly
other species also yield the drug ;" such as, for instance, in the case
of Myrrh, Copaiba, etc., as the B.P. has done.

If there is any difference in the Myrrh, Copaiba or other drug
frorn different species and sources, this can be provided for under
descriptions, tests, etc.

Surely no objection can be raised to this attitude on the question,
as it represents the actual conditions, and one which is not only in
accord with, and worthy of pharmacopoeial authority, but which
will create additional confidence in the work as being nearer the
truth.

Another point touched upon in the editorial note is one that Mr.
Holmes does not ir'er to, but which is also of importance from the
practical consideration of definitions in the Pharmacopoeia. The
U.S.P. defines Belladonnse Folia as « the leaves of Atropa Belladonna,
Linne," and describes under this drug only the leaves. The B.P.
defines Belladonnse Folia as " the fresh leaves and branches of
Atropa Belladonna, Linn., collected when the plant is in flower," and
describes the stems, leaves and flowers. The commercial drug con-
tains generally not only stems, leaves and flowers, but also fruits,
and the Pharmacopoeia would do well to limit the amount oi these
different parts of the plant, as at times the drug is made up almost
entirely of stems and some leaves, few if any flowers being present,
while at other times there is an abundance of flowers and immature
fruits.

Editorial.

J Am. Joar. Pharra.
(. January, 1901.

Investigators of drugs too frequently do not seem to recognize
that other parts of the plant yielding the drug, as well as parts of
entirely different plants, are present in the commercial drugs- — not
necessarily as adulterants, but because the price of labor does not
warrant evidently a careful garbling.

Not long ago a series of experiments were carried on by one of
the students of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy on Crocus
{Amer. Jour. Pkarm., 1900, p. 119), and it was shown that none of the
commercial drug was more than 90 per cent, pure {i. e., contained
only 90 per cent, stigmas) and that the commercial article ranged
in purity from 46 to 90 per cent. (*. e.y contained 46 to 90 per cent,
of stigmas). A reviewer, in commenting upon these results, said
that he presumed they referred to powdered saffron, as the crude
drug examined by him had been exceptionally pure. This com-
ment shows still further the liability to err on this subject and how
frequently even those who handle drugs continually are deceived as
to their actual quality and value.

It is to be regretted that the Pharmacopoeia gives sanction to the
deception by presenting a standard which it is impossible to attain in
many instances. In view, then, of this condition of affairs I still
maintain that " there are a number of groups of drugs to which
rather stringent definitions, descriptions and limits of admixture may
be applied, as in seeds, fruits, roots, barks and flowers. In other
cases, the difficulty of giving specific definitions is very clear, as for
example, in the case of leaves and herbs, rhizomes and plant exu-
dations. To say that certain drugs consist ' chiefly ' of certain parts
covers the ground a little better, e.g., Crocus, chiefly of stigmas;
Chondrus, chiefly of Chondrus crispus, etc. It would be better,
however, if the amount of actual drug present in the commercial
product could be given."

CONCLUSION.

Every botanist appreciates the difficulties connected with the no-
menclature question and there should be some one guide that we can
in the main follow. In the United States at least, the work of
Engler and Prantl is becoming to a certain extent recognized as the
authority on this question.

This is true also in regard to the origin of drugs, but neverthe-

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
January, 1901. J

Reviews.

less, every expert investigator should be given credit for his
work, and where differences of opinion hold the Pharmacopoeia should
be more general in its definitions and define the drugs to which these
■differences apply as being obtained from " probably other species "
and as " consisting chiefly of" certain plant parts. Furthermore, in
the description of properties and tests the limit of impurity or admix-
ture could be defined ; or, in other words, definitions and descrip-
tions, as well as tests, should be based upon the article in the market.

REVIEWS AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

A Handbook of Industrial Organic Chemistry adapted for
the use of manufacturers, chemists and all interested in the utiliza-
tion of organic materials in the industrial arts. By Samuel P.
Sadtler. Third revised and enlarged edition. Philadelphia : J. B.
Lippincott Company.

The first edition of this work was published in 1891 and the sec-
ond in 1895. At the time of the publishing of the first edition there
was no concise work in the English language treating of applied
organic chemistry, and the book was a welcome addition to works
on chemical technology. Since that time the value of the work has
been shown by the necessity for two revisions and the translation of
the book into German.

The contents of the book consist of a concise treatment of fourteen
different classes of industries, including the following particulars of
each : (a) Raw Materials ; (b) Processes of Treatment ; (c) Products ;
(d) Analytical Tests and Methods ; (e) Bibliography and Statistics.
The classes of industries treated of are the following : (1) Petroleum
and Mineral Oil Industry ; (2) Industry of the Fats and Fatty Oils ;
{3) Industry of the Essential Oils and resins; (4) The Cane Sugar
Industry ; (5) The Industries of Starch and its Alteration Products ;
(6) Fermentation Industries, including : (a) Nature and Varieties of
Fermentation ; (6) Malt Liquors and the Industries Connected There-
with ; (c) The Manufacture of Wine ; (d) Manufacture of Distilled
Liquors or Ardent Spirits; (e) Bread-Making ; (/) The Manufac-
ture of Vinegar ; (7) Milk Industries ; (8) Vegetable Textile Fi-
bres, including : (a) Paper-making; (J?) Guncotton, Pyroxyline,
Collodion and Celluloid ; (9) Textile Fibres of Animal Origin ; (10)

a ? RfiDi finis / Am- Jour. Pharncu

4^ reviews. ( January, 1901.

Animal Tissues and Their Products, including : (a) Leather Indus-
try; (£) Glue and Gelatine Manufacture; (u) Industries based up-
on Destructive Distillation, including : (a) Destructive Distillation
of Wood; (6) Destructive Distillation of Coal; (12) The Artificial
Coloring Matters; (13) Natural Dye Colors ; (14) Bleaching, Dye-
ing and Textile Printing. In the appendix are given : (#) The
Metric System ; (£) Tables for Determination of Temperature ; (r)
Specific Gravity Tables ; (d) Alcohol Tables ; (e) Physical and Chemi-
cal Constants of Fixed Oils and Fats.

It will be seen that this handbook is not only a technology, but
also an analytical industrial organic chemistry. The manner of
treatment of the industries considered is clear, concise and from the
point of view of one having a large amount of practical experience.
There are 126 illustrations and 16 diagrams showing outlines of
processes employed in the different industries. The book is not
only valuable from the standpoint of the manufacturer and chemist,
but is equally valuable as a text-book for universities and schools of
technology where industrial organic chemistry is being taught.

The present revised edition has been brought up to date by the
incorporation of the results of progress in the different industries
during the past five years. Some of the chapters, in fact, as those on
the natural and artificial dye colors, have been largely rewritten.
The progress in the applied sciences is so remarkable that books
become antiquated in a comparatively few years. O.i the other
hand, there is so much being published in regard to methods which
at first seem plausible, but which in a few years may be found to be
wholly erroneous or impracticable. It is therefore necessary, in order
for books to be safe, that revisions be not too frequent. On the other
hand, if they are to be up-to-date revisions they must not be delayed
too long. The experience of the past 10 years indicates that in not only
the conception of this handbook, but in its revisions, the author has
been singularly fortunate, and the third edition, which has been
thoroughly revised and brought up to date, is to be recommended.

Students' Edition, a Practical Treatise of Materia Medica
and Therapeutics, with special reference to the clinical application
of drugs. By John V. Shoemaker. Fifth edition. Thoroughly
revised. 6^ x 9^ inches. Pages vii-770. Extra cloth, $4 net
sheep, $4.75 net. F. A. Davis Company, publishers, 1914-16
Cherry Street, Philadelphia.

Am. Jour. Pharm. i
January, 1901. J

Reviews.

The author's experience has led him to change the scope of the
fifth edition of his Materia Medica and Therapeutics, and he has
decided to divide the work into two independent issues : (a) the
students' edition, which has been just issued ; (b) and the physi-
cians' edition. In the students' edition the drugs are limited to
those of the Pharmacopoeias of the United States and Great Britain.
The physicians' edition, it is presumed, will be much more compre-
hensive.

The present students', edition is a valuable work on the clinical
application of drugs. One of the most fortunate things in the book
is the author's preface concerning the use of the metric system of
weights and measures. The author says : " It is, no doubt, destined
eventually to supersede the older system so long employed in
English-speaking countries. The metric system has the important
advantage of establishing a uniformity of notation throughout the
civilized world. In order to facilitate its universal adoption, it is
desirable that the student should be trained in its use from the be-
ginning of his professional course." The book is divided into two
parts, Part I treating of (a) General Considerations Concerning Reme-
dies and Systems of Treatment ; (b) Pharmacology and the Pharmaco-
poeia ; (c) Materia Medica ; (d) Pharmacy ; (e) Prescription Writing
and Formulae ; (/) Poisons and Antidotes ; (jr) General Therapeu-
tics and Classification of Remedies. In Part II are given the phar-
macology, physiological action and therapy of drugs of the U.S.P.
and B.P. The work is in reality one treating primarily of the
clinical application of remedial agents. The author unfortunately
does not make clear the distinction between medicines and drugs,
and uses the term pharmacology as meaning the description and
physical properties of drugs. The book has incorporated into it
the results of the more recent clinical investigations, contains nu-
merous formulae and much valuable information concerning the clini-
cal application of remedial agents.

General Vegetable Pharmacography. By Albert Schneider.
Chicago : Chicago Medical Book Company.

This book of 1 36 pages is designed to serve as a supplement to
any of the existing text-books on vegetable pharmacography, and
treats of the following subjects :

(1) General Discussion of the Senses.

Revieivs.

f Am. Jour. Pharm,
I January, 1901.

(2) Special Discussion of the Senses with Reference to the Ex-
amination of Vegetable Drugs.

(3) Causes Modifying the Characteristics of Drugs.

(4) The Histology of Vegetable Drugs.

The book will no doubt prove of value to students who are
engaged in a study of vegetable drugs.

A Text-Book of Chemistry. By Samuel P. Sadtler and Virgil
Coblentz. Being the third revised and enlarged edition of Sadtler
and Trimble's Chemistry. In two volumes. Philadelphia: J. B.
Lippincott Company.

The appearance of another revised and enlarged edition of this
well-known chemistry in two years speaks for the value of this
book. The new edition is characterized by an enlargement of the
part dealing in elementary physics, electrolysis and electro-metal-
lurgy and the periodic system. In the chapters on physics over
fifty new illustrations alone have been added. In thus developing
the part on elementary physics, the authors have shown excellent
judgment. The student in pharmacy and the applied sciences can-
not have too much of the fundamental training in physics — indeed,
a physical laboratory is to-day almost to be considered essential to
the proper understanding of natural phenomena and the application
of such knowledge in the construction of apparatus for use in the
arts and sciences. No man can be a successful manufacturer who
is not familiar, both theoretically and practically, with the general
and special properties of matter and energy, and who is not well ac-
quainted with the nature and application of heat, light and electricity.
Probably the most fertile of all the departments of physics is that
relating to electricity. The applications of electricity are seen on
every hand. In chemistry it is applied to electro-chemical analysis,
electrotyping, electroplating, electric refining of metals, electrolysis
of alkali chloride, electrolytic preparation of hypochlorites, chlor-
ates, caustic alkalies, metallic arsenic and antimony, ozone, white
lead, the carbides, phosphorus, iodoform, chloral, chloroform, nitro-
compounds, saccharine, organic colors, etc. The present edition
contains a concise treatment of the processes involved in the above-
enumerated applications.

The new edition, which has been enlarged and thoroughly re-
vised, contains all of the valuable features of the earlier editions,

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
January, 1901. J

Pharmaceutical Meeting.

and it is highly probable that there is no chemistry published in
the English language for the use of medical and pharmaceutical
students that treats so concisely, thoroughly and accurately of the
departments of physics and chemistry and their application in
medicine and the arts.

MINUTES OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL MEETING.

The third of the series of pharmaceutical meetings of the Phila-
delphia College of Pharmacy, for 1900-1901, was held on Tuesday,
December 18, 1900. James T. Shinn,a well-known member of the
College, presided. The meeting was an exceptionally valuable one
owing to the number of practical matters that were discussed. Dr.
Henry Leffmann spoke on the subject of high and low explosives,
exhibiting samples of the powders used in modern warfare ; also
giving a few practical demonstrations of the mode of action of
explosives. His address was in part as follows :

" Various mixtures of a more or less explosive character were
used in ancient times. Greek fire is believed to have been a mix-
ture of bituminous matters, nitre and sulphur. This would burn
under water and was used with great destructive effect before the
invention of firearms. Cannon were used over five hundred years
ago. It is stated that the cannon used at the siege of Constanti-
nople in 1453 was fired only about eight times a day.

"The increase in the size of cannon in modern times has neces-
sitated increase in the size of the grains of powder, because a very
fine grain powder would be too powerful. I have here specimens
of the large hexagonal grains of ordinary black powder, also the
brown powder, the latter containing a charcoal of lighter color.
These specimens are intended for the large cannon. Here are cubi-
cal grains about the size of common dice intended for rapid-fire
guns, also spherical grains about y2 inch in diameter. Another
interesting class is that in which sodium nitrate is substituted for
potassium nitrate. Contrary to what I have always been taught,
this powder is not appreciably deliquescent. The use of the
sodium compound is, of course, for the sake of economy. These
powders are used for mild blastings, such as getting out coal. Here
is a sample of Dupont's CCC grade, the grains of which are nearly
as large as peach-kernels.

Pharmaceutical Meeting.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
I January, 1901.

" Modern high explosives are essentially nitro-compounds,forms of
nitrocellulose or nitroglycerin. The solubility of nitrocellulose in
volatile solvents permits of forming it into any shape or mixing it
with any substance. Some of the common smokeless powders are
similar to celluloid. The formulae are often secret, but nitrocellulose
is the foundation ingredient. Here is one of the ribbon forms.
Cordite is in cylindrical sticks. Here are short, thick cylinders of
the Maxim-Schupphaus type, perforated as you see with longitudi-
nal openings to permit the free rush of flame through the mass.
Several sizes of these are on the table, the largest about 3 inches
long by T inch in diameter, the smallest I inch long by less than a
half inch in diameter. When burning in the open air these smoke-
less explosives do not show much energy, although there is evidently
1 large gas disengagement with little smoke and very little solid
residue. In connection with this experiment it is interesting to
note the effect of heating ammonium dichromate, in which an active
internal combustion occurs, but the fact that one product, chromic
oxide, is solid, greatly diminishes the energy of the combustible,
though the action is analogous to that which occurs in guncotton."

J. Percy Remington exhibited and described " A Pharmacist's
Apparatus Stand " (seepage 19). The chairman, Mr. Shinn, com-
mended the apparatus as having certain very admirable features,
and said that when he was actively engaged in the drug business he
had constructed a stand for use in a closet in which the space in a
vertical direction was utilized.

F. W. Haussmann read a paper on " The Discoloration of Syrup
of Iodide of Iron," and exhibited numerous specimens. (See page
1 6.) Dr. Leffmann, in commenting on the paper, said that possibly
the metallic salt caused an inversion of the sugar with consequent
discoloration of the syrup, as has been shown in a paper recently by
Dr. J. H. Long, of Northwestern University. In reply to a question
by Mr. Shinn, as to the use of glycerin in preserving the syrup, Mr.
Haussmann said that the question of chemical action arose when
this substance is used, as glycerin, being glyceryl hydrate when acted
upon by iodine or its compounds, possibly forms allyl compounds
as allyl iodide. Mr. Joseph W. England exhibited a specimen from
the Museum of the College, which had been made by Professor Procter
(this Journal, 1868, p. 108), January 15, 1865, using glycerin, and
which was not discolored. He also stated that in making the syrup

Am. Jour. Pharm. >
January, 1901. J

Pharmaceutical Meeting.

care should be taken that the grease should ba removed from the iron,
and that he had found iron card teeth preferable to iron raspings;
also that it was necessary to heat the solution to ensure the end
reaction.

Mr. Shinn remarked that he used to put a coil of iron wire in the
bottles containing the syrup to ensure the iron being kept in the
ferrous state.

Melvin W. Bamford read a paper on " Benzoinated Lard," and
exhibited some specimens. (See page 29.) Mr. Wiegand said that
he found it best to expose as great a surface as possible to the finely
powdered benzoin at as low a temperature as possible, and then
strain the product through canton flannel. Professor Lowe referred
to Mr. Beringer's remarks made at a previous meeting (see Vol.72,
p. 559), and also to the method of making benzoinated lard which
was employed by Mr. Webb. The principle was the same as that
referred to by Mr. Wiegand, in that alternate layers of powdered
benzoin and lard were digested at a temperature just sufficient to
melt the lard. Mr. Shinn remarked that he used to dissolve the
benzoin in alcohol and then digest this with the melted lard until
the alcohol evaporated, after which the powder was allowed to
settle, and when cool the upper part was removed. Mr. Haussmann
said that, in his experience, the benzoin in either an alcoholic or
ethereal solution was likely to become shredded, particularly in an
ointment consisting of lard and wax.

Mr. Bamford said that there was one point to which he desired
to call particular attention, that in making leaf lard from the fatty
tissues no water was employed, this being the process proposed
by Professor Redwood and adopted by the British Pharmacopoeia.
The usual custom by manufacturers of lard is to wash the lard with
water, and some of it is then removed by heat.

In discussing the subject, Professor Kraemer remarked that he
was heartily glad that Mr. Bamford had taken up this subject, as it
demonstrated what could be done if pharmacists' really desired to
secure good materials wherewith to make pharmaceutical prepara-
tions. It has been supposed that a good leaf lard was very difficult
to obtain, and it would appear that the method of making the lard
from the animal tissues was an expensive process, whereas Mr.
Bamford showed that it was an economical one.

Mr. Kebler read a paper on " The Testing of Essential Oils,"

4«

Pharmaceutical Association.

/ Am. Jour. Pharm,
( January, 1901.

which was a joint paper by himself and Dr. Pancoast. (Seepage i.)
Mr. England referred to a commercial specimen of oil of sandal-
wood, which was found to contain 90 parts of sandalwood oil, 7
parts of alcohol and 3 parts of chloroform. This oil had the same
specific gravity as the U.S.P. required, and also answered the tests
for solubility. Professor Lowe referred to the fact of the enormous
quantity of cloves which is distilled in this country and also to the fact
that one large manufacturing house, in order to ensure the purity of
oil of sandalwood, imports the sandalwood for distillation. He also
referred to the fact of oil of rose being adulterated with oil of gin-
ger-grass, and finally stated that he did not see any great harm,
therapeutically, in the substitution of oil of birch for oil of winter-
green, as the oil of birch contained nearly all methyl salicylate and
the oil of wintergreen 90 per cent. Mr. Kebler further remarked
that kerosene is often used to adulterate essential oils, the low
boiling kerosene being employed to adulterate the oils having low
boiling points and the high fraction kerosene with those having a
high boiling point. H. K.

AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.

The next meeting of the Association will be held at St. Louis,
September 16-21, 190 1.

The Section on Practical Pharmacy and Dispensing announces the
following :

Through the generosity of Dr. Enno Sander, Ex-President of the
American Pharmaceutical Association, the Practical Pharmacy and
Dispensing Section is enabled to offer a Cash Prize of Fifty Dollars
for the most worthy paper or report presented to it, upon the follow-
ing conditions: (1) All competitors must be members of the
American Pharmaceutical Association, and actively engaged in the
retail drug business — principals and assistants equally acceptable
— and shall not be connected with the teaching department of any
school or college of pharmacy. (2) The subject discussed or re-
ported upon shall be within the scope of pharmaceutical manipula-
tions, dispensing or the actual doings of a retail drug store.
(3) All competing papers or reports must be in the hands of
the Secretary of the Section, F. W. E.Stedem, Corner Broad Street
and Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., on or before July I, 1901,
and must be marked "For competition."

* CLASSES *

OF THE

Philadelphia College or Pharmacy,

Eightieth Annual Session, 1900=1901.

FIRST YEAR CLASS LIST.

Name. Place.

Adams, John Howard, Reading,

Albert, Howard, Freeland,

Allen, Robert Wallin, Philadelphia,

Ames,< Arthur Garfield, Vineland,

Anthony, Herbert Spencer, • Reading,

Armstrong, Joseph Massey, Church -Hill,

Atkinson, Mary Elizabeth, Altoona,

Baas, Charles Wesley, Scranton,

Baker, Victor Louis, Bridesburg, Phila

Bachman, Harry Stanley, Philadelphia,

Babbitt, Theodore Perley, Brattleboro,

Bailey, Clarence Matthews, Zanesville,

Banta, Edwin, Jr., Lansdowne,

Berry, Lawrence Frank, Charlestown,

Bibby, David Boone, Catawissa,
Billetdoux, Chester Augustus, N. Adams,

Billups, James Sykes,
Bonta, Clarence LaRue,
Boyd, Guy Stephen,
Brunhouse, Harry Franklin,
Buchert, Charles Frederick,
Burkholder, Lloyd Amadore,
Burt, Arthur Henry,
Chambers, Francis J.,
Coleman, William Fogg,
Cooney, William Francis,
Cooper, Clyde,
Corn well, Joseph Clark,

Columbus,
Hanover,
York,
York,

Philadelphia,
Shippensburg,
Elmira,
Atlantic City,
Nicetown, Phila.
Florence,
Lancaster,
New London,

Cossaboom, Herbert Solomon, Bridgeton,

Crossley, Samuel Wallace,
Currinder, Alva,
Curtis, Frank Duezze,
D'Alemberte, Herbert Harry,
Dana, Clyde,
Daub, Charles Melvin,
Davis, Howard Sherman,
Davis, John Hall,
Davis, Thomas Carroll,
Decker, Harry Francis,
Desher, Edward Winert,
Dilks, John,

Donnelly, William Michael,

Corpus Christi,
Wilmington,
San Jose,
Pensacola,
Caledonia,
Norristown,
Reading,
Lansdowne,
Thorndale,
Johnstown,
Philadelphia,
Philadelphia,
Salem,

State.

Pa.

N. J.

Pa.

Md.

Pa.

Pa.
, Pa.

Pa.

Vt.

Ohio.

Pa.

W. Va
Pa.
Mass.
Miss.
Ind.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
N. Y.
N.J.
, Pa.
Mass.
Pa.
Conn.
N. J.
Tex.
Del.
Cal.
Fla.
Ohio.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
N

Preceptor.
W. Scott Adams.
M. E. Grover.
Funk & Groft.
Bidwell & Co.
P. A. Dietrich, P.D.
Dr. R. L. Lindsay.
Dr. G. W. Wood.
S. L. Foulke.
Wm. Morrett.
Samuel Evans, Jr.
Geo. E. Greene.
Bailey Drug Co.
Harry M. Davis.
Robert T. Berry.

George A. Hastings.
Freeman & Petty j ohm
A. B. Morse.
Dale & Co.
F. Brunhouse.
John B. Reynolds.
Fleming & Fleming.
J. P. Kelly.
E. S. Reed's Sons.
Mahlow Kratz.

H. M. Snyder.
Moon's Pharmacy.
Wm. Clarence Berger*
Andrew Blair & Co.
N. B. Danforth.

Ernest W. Pettersom
C. E. Kelly.
Bunting & Yeakle.
Smith, Kline & French Co.
Harry M. Davis.
G. N. Thompson.
Chas. Griffith.

J-

Harmon Dilks,
C. A. Eckels.

Jr.

Catalogue of the Class.

/ Am. Jour. Pharm.
I January, 1901.

Name.
Dubbs, Carbon P.,
Ebert, James Monroe,
Eccles, Ityron Jackson,
Edwards, Lawrence,
Kichold, Bernard Herbert,
Eldridge, Roy Kerr,
Everham, H. Valentine, Jr.
Eyster, Geo. William,
Fox, Miss Jamella,
Fox, Morris Wayne,
Fralinger, John Joseph,
French, Leroy Brown,
Frantz, Geo. Adam,
Gable, Edmund James,
Galbraith, Wm. H., Jr
Galer, Fread. Joseph,
Gamer, Albert Chas. C,
Garvey, Joseph Peter,
Geiger, Fredk. Luther,
Geisking, John Leroy,
Ger=on, Dora Goldie,
Glaspell, Wm. English,
Gould, Lewis Elms,
Gladfelter, Wilford Stanley,
Griggs, Alfred,
Guier, Luis Javier,
Guthrie, Ira Culpepper,
Harbold, John Tilden,
Harbaugh, Duncan James,
Harkness, Edw. Gehring,
Harmening, Fredk. H.,
Harris, James Nixon,
Hayn, Herman Ernest,
Hecker, Andrew Ned,
Hemmersbach, Henry Wm.,
Herflicker, Walter Esterley

Place. State.
Pittsburg, Pa.
Gordon, Pa.
DeLand, Fla.
Track ville, Pa.
Mobile, Ala.
Cold water, Mich.
Ambler, Pa.
York, Pa.
Tamaqua, Pa.
South Bethlehem, Pa.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Houlton, Me.
Lebanon, Pa.
Reading, Pa.
Germantown, Phila., Pa.
Philadelphia,
Tamoca,
Philadelphia,
Pillow,
Harrisburg,
Muscow,
Bridgeton,
Presque Isle,
Seven Valley,
Sandwich,
Cartago,
Temple,
York,
Haverford,
Carlisle,
Defiance,
Mill ville,
Springfield,
Carlisle,
Philadelphia,
Reading,

Hetherington, Jas. Norton C, Philadelphia,

Hoerner, Guy Hoover,
Hoey, Alexander,
Holcombe, John Heisler,
Holstein, Geo. Leon,
Hoover, Robert Adams,
Howard, Carrie Elizabeth,
Johnson, Edw. Thomas,
Johnson, Chauncey Nicholas,
Jones, Edw. DeMaur,
Jones, Clarence,
Jones, Virginia Violetta,
Keener, James Blaine,
Keller, Martin Luther,
Kempte, Floyd Budd,
King, Grant Wagner,
Kisner, Geo. Williamson,
Klein, Frank Bengler,
Koons, Chas. Eyster,
Leaman, John Benjamin,
Lebo, Chas. Spears,
Lee, Robert Edward,
Light, Chas. iVugustin,
Linde, Flenry Mohre,

Mechanicsburg
Philadelphia,
Bridgeton,
Lebanon,
Du Bois,
Philadelphia,
Philadelphia,
Uniontown,
Philadelphia,
Doe Run,
Wilkesbarre,
Middletown,
Steelton,
Mt. Holly,
Lafayette,
Belmar,
Henderson,
Harrisburg,
Strasburg,
Lebanon,
Carlisle,
Lebanon,
Philadelphia,

Pa.
Wash.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.

Russia.
N. J.
Maine.
Pa;
England.
Costa Rica.
Texas.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Ohio.
N.J.
Mass.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
N.J.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
N.J.
Ind.
N.J
Ky.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.

Preceptor.

J. E. Gregory.
Geo. W. Fisher.
Dr. David Taggart.
Mobile Drug Co.

W. E. Boose.
N. A. Porter.
M. M. Buss.
Dr. T. H. McFarland.
O. F. French.
Pretzel's Pharmacy.
Harry J. Schad.
W. H. Galbraith.
H. G. Kalmbach.
Dr. W. H. Kellogg.
J. Francis Hauck.
E. E. Wilson & Co.
J. Wilson Hoffa.

Chas.
S. W.

F. Dare & Son.
Boone & Co.

I. E. McNair.
Guillero Guier.
W. E. Willis.
R. W. Zeigler.
W. L. Harbaugh.
Dr. B. F. Emrick.
N. G. Wcodward.
M. L. Branin.
J. H. Manning.
John E. Sipe.
E. W. Hermann.
Wm. P. M. Zeigler.
Thos. Hetherington.
C. A. Eckels.
Edw. C. Stout.
David H. Holcombe.
Geo. W. Schools.
Mr. A. P. Holland.
Carrie E. Howard.
Wm. B. Lentz.
H. S. Clark.

W. R. Sharp.

John W. Renalt.
W. K. Martz.
Elmer D. Prickett, M.D.
Wm. A. Musson.
Bloomfield Hulich.
W. S. Johnson & Son.
E. Z. Gross.
J. M. Tronsfield, Jr.
Chas. H. Blouch.
J. E. Seebold.
John F. Loehle
Robert McNiel.

Ana. Jour. PhariD. 1
January, 1901. f

Catalogue of the Class.

Name. Place.

Lisser, Joseph North, Haddonfield,

Lord, Geo. Washington, Jr., Haddonfield,

Loyer, Marcus Brownson, Philadelphia,

McGuire, Jos. Francis, Mahanoy City

McHale, Chas. Joseph, Shenandoah,

Mader, James Wilson, Shenandoah,

Malloy, Westley General, Philadelphia,

Markle, Howard Overholt, New Haven,
Marvin, Joseph,

Mayers, James Curtis, Piney Creek,

Mayerson, Frances Rose, Philadelphia,

Mershon, Ray, Baston,

Michael, Horace, Lebanon,
Monroe, Frank D. Montague, Logan,

Montgomery, John Hinks, Bucksport,

Moore, Augustine Curtis, Portsmouth,

Morgan, Harold Bertram, Philadelphia,

Moyer, Lewis Nathan, Reading,

Musson, Katharine Johanna, Philadelphia,

Neiler, Wm. Mackie, Philadelphia,

Newman, Marguerite May, Ontario,

Newhard, Jas. Gillespie B., Fernwood,

Newton, Clyde Burdick, Findlay,

Pitts, Milton Warren, Lynn,

Plaster, John Edgar, Charlotte,

Prosser, Elmer Oscar, Hellertown,

Prowell, Tolbert, Steelton,

Raker, Edward Heller, Pillow,

Reburn, Albert Randolph, Oxford,

Reading, Augustus R. , Lambertville,

Reed, James Garfield, Taffin,

Roth, Emil Krieger, Johnstown,

Rothwell, Eugene, Willow Grove,

Rubin, Dora, Oremburg,

Schmidt, Otto Waldemar, Canton,

Sniffer, Daisy Rhodes, Hudson,

Shillito, Chas. Emmert, Waynesboro,

Shrenk, Murray Hamilton, Harrisburg,

Shull, David Frank, Jr., Philadelphia,

Shulte, Frank Xavier, Philadelphia,

Smith, Clarence, Philadelphia,

Smith, Frank G. D., Grand Forks,

Smith, Henry Addison, Binghampton,

Smith, Jacob Schall, York,

Snyder, David Stahl, Somerset,

Sognis, Michael James, Trenton,

Stallsmith, Walter Edward, Parsons,

Still, Israel Thomas, Boston,

Stimmel, Irvin Sigfried, Kutztown,

Stine, W. Earl, Williamsport,

Stolz, David, Syracuse,

Strayer, Francis Williard, York,

Stuck, Williard Stearns, Miffinburg,

Stump, Frank Arthur, Harrisburg,

Sutliff, Jacob, Bloomingdale,
Taggart, Alexander H. Supplee, Norristown,

Tripmaker, Walter Wm. ,
Tuohy , James Louis,
Van Dyke, James P.,
Walmsley, Chas. Edward,
Welsh, Ralph Lignori,

Philadelphia,
Woodstown,
Sunbury,
Philadelphia,
Altoona,

State. Preceptor.

N. J. Frank P. Rogers.
N.J.

Pa. Chas. A. Eckels, Ph.G.

Pa. Thos. E. McGuire.

Pa. Paul W. Houck.

Pa. J. B. Moore.

Pa. Addington LaDow.

Pa. T. J. Connell, P.D.

Germany.

Md. C. Carroll Meyer.

Pa. M. Peissakovitch.

Pa. Edward K. Cope.

Pa. Charles A. Boger.

O. F. W. E. Stedem.

Me. Richard B. Stover.

Va. C. J. Brownley.

Pa. Frank E- Morgan.

Pa. E. M. Boring.

Pa. Wm. A. Musson.

Pa. Wm. A. Whitten.

Ore. Snyder & Newman.

Pa. Chas. E. Keeler.

O. Newton Bros.
Mass.

N. C. Woodall & Sheppard.

Pa. Cyrus Jacoby.

Pa. Dr. W. R. Prowell.

Pa. John W. Raker.

Pa. Miss Millie Baker.

N. J. Geo. M. Shamalia.

O. D. S. Fergerson.

Pa. Kredel & Farrel.

Pa. Robert S. Doake.

Russia. Dr. Joffe.

O. Henry Mueller, M.D.

Pa. Bert B. Shiffer.

Pa. Mentzer & Clugston.

Pa. W. R. Laird.

Pa. D. F. Shull & Co.

Pa. Dr. Emil Jungmann.

Pa. G. Y. Wood.

N. D.

N. Y. C. W. Knape.

Pa. Wm. Smith & Co.

Pa. G. W. Benford.

N. J. Mary M. Tidd.

Pa. Henry H. James.

Mass. H. C. Blair.

Pa. N. F. Weisner.

Pa. R. P. Blackburn.

N. Y. Geo. E. Thorpe.

Pa. Wm. Smith & Co.

Pa. J. H. Sterner.

Pa. J. W. Cotterel.

Pa. E. F. Swartz.

Pa. G. C. Taggart.

Pa. E. H. Fienhold.

N. J. Geo. M. Andrews.

Pa. James Van Dyke.

Pa. \quila Hock, Ph.G.

Pa. R. E. Welsh.

Catalogue of the Class.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
1 January, 1901.

Name.
Wilson, Harry William,
Wolford, Walter James,
Wolf, Wm. Aloysius,

Place. State.
Wappinger's Falls, N.

Allen,
Reading,

Woodside, Jno. Montgomery, Danville,

Young, Samuel,
Zimmerman, Chas. Sumner,

Philadelphia,
York,

Tex.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.

Preceptor.
Geo. H. Howarth.
J. P. Harding.
F. X. Wolf.
W. J. Pechin.
L. C. Funk.
W. L. Smyser.

SECOND YEAR CLASS LIST.

Name.
Ackerman, Wm. Brown,
Allen, Edwin Cullom,
Alston, Wm. Algeron,
Anderson, L. C,
Ashmead, Virden P.,
Bacon, Vela,
Baer, Herbert Oscar,
Baker, Daniel,
Beegle, David Blmer,
Bair, Edward Elmer,
Bell, Herman Alonzo,
Berberich, Joseph Herman,
Binder, Arthur Henry,
Blew, Robert Sinclair,
Blough, Elijah Robert,
Bornemann, John Alexander
Boyer, Walter Ernest,
Brown, Horsey P.,
Brown, Joel Daniel,
Bryant, James Robeson,
Caden, Alice Beatrice,
Catlin, Jos. Albert,
Clemmer, John Krupp,
Craven, Alfred Young,
Crawford, Thos. Foster,
Croft, Clarence,
Crothers, Anthony Brooks,
Dickinson, Ralph Brinton,
Dix, Robert Youngs G.,
Douglass, John Xavier,
Downs, Wm. Joseph,
Dufford, J. Albert,
Eckels, Nathaniel Ort,
Evans, Thomas John,
Eves, Charles Scott,
Evrard, John Joseph,
Faust, Peter Wenner,
Fetterolf. Clarence F. G.,
Filman, Walter Theodore,
Fitch, James Clarence,
Fleischer, Wm. Paul,
Fox, Irvin Berry,
Fox, Joseph Peter,
Fried, Percy,
Gage, Luther Hendrick,
Gearhart, Malcolm Zieber,
Gehringer, Edwin Franklin,
Geron, Yeatman,
Gettel, John Ralph E.,

Place.

State.

E. Mauch Chunk, Pa.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Haygood, S. C.

Reading, Pa.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Freehold, N. J.

Wheeling, W. Ya.

Bellevinon, Pa.

Bedford, Pa.

York, Pa.

Philadelphia, Pa.
Stein, Germany.

Titusville, Pa.

Bridgeton, N. J.

Holsopple, Pa.

W. Philadelphia, Pa.

Danville, Pa.

Wilmington, Del.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Stroudsburg, Pa.

Lexington, Ky.

Church Hill, Md.

Lansdale, Pa.

Bridgeport, Pa.

Camden, N. J.

Chambersburg, Pa.

Zion, Md.

Parkesburg, Pa.

Moorestown, X. J.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Coaldale, Pa.

West Sunbury, Pa.

Shippensburg, Pa.

Plymouth, Pa.

Millville, Pa.

Bethlehem, Pa.

Claussville, Pa.

Ashland, Pa.

Warwick, Pa.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Lebanon, Pa.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Allentown, Pa.

Luraysville, Pa.

Reading, Pa.

Allentown, Pa.

Huntsville, Ala. J

Shippensburg, Pa.

Preceptor.
Geo. L. Cainan.
Dr. O. E. Henritzy.
J. B. Cook.
H. H. Kline.
Anna S. Ashmead.
Bacon & Pittinger.
W. S. Dickson.

Heckerman Drug Co.
John S. Weakley.
Theodore Campbell.
James Moffet, Jr.
F. W. Renting."
P. W. Shull.
A. D. Yoder, M.D.
Dr. W. H. Hickman.

F. Ross Horner.
Z. James Belt.

W. H. Umstead.
Mc Adams & Morford.
Jos. J. Kellv.
C. J. Biddle.
Harrv Lee Randall.
C. B." McLaughlin.

C. L. Giger & Co.
J. L. Crothers.
Charles Leedon.

G. H.Wilkinson.

D. J. Reese.
John H. Bailev.
J. T. Miller.
W. G. Xebig.
Geo. J. Durbin.
Charles S. Eby.
Geo. D. Kressler.

H. L. Kiper.
H. C. Stiles.
H. L. Klopps.
Dr. P. Fitch.

Dr. Frank E. Johnson.
J. L. Lemberger & Co.
Peter P. Fox, Sr.
Frank P. Semmel.
W. D. Johnson.
S. S. Stevens.
O. B. J. Haines.
. D. Humphrey & Son.
J. C. Altick & Co.

Am. Jour. Pbarm. \
January, 1901. j

Catalogue of the Class.

Name. Place.
Goodman, Edith Morton,
Goring, Myatt Edward,
Grove, Harry Ross,
Handwork, Francis C,
Hanington, Bertram John,

Hawkins, Louis J., Coatesville,

Hayes, John Gilbert, St. Clair,

Heffelfinger, Wm. Edward, Reading,

Hendrickson, Raymond, San Francisco,

Hertzler, Norman Eberley, Philadelphia,

Hertzler, Oliver Henry, " Lancaster,

Hilliard, Bayard, Vincenttown,

Hibbs, Wm, Buckman, Newtown,

Hougendobler, Harry Smaltz, Columbia,

Irwin, John Henry,
Jago, Harry W. Garfield,
Jefferis, Charles Albert,
Jones, Howard Harlan,
Kane, Augustin Francis,
Kellar, William Albert,
Kirk, Frank H.,
Knabb,' Daniel Milton,
Knauss, Howard James,
Koller, Charles Joseph,
Kyle, Christian B.,
Lebegern, Barton,
Lescure, Anna Rosalie,
Lewis, Herbert Williard,
Lide, Leighton Elba,
McGarrah, Wm. Henry, Jr.
McGregor, Albert Dell,

McLaughlin, Harry Aloysius, Philadelphia,

Marcus, Simon,
Margolin, Mrs. Fannie B.
Martin, Charles Edward,
Martin, Frederick Adam,
Martin, John M.,
Matlack, Walter Ball,
Meals, Ira Dale,
Meredith. Wilbur Curtis,
Metzler, Oscar Leroy,
Miller, Roy L.,
Myers, Luther M.,
Noble, Harry Carty,
Oberly, John S.,
O'Hanlon, Joseph Thornley,
Parker, James Heber,
Phillips, Elliott Earl,
Quinn, Vincent De Paul,
Ramsaur, David Wilfong,
Raum, Harry Angle,
Reeve, Alfred Warfield,
Reice, Isaac Stephen,
Rhodes, Geo. Washington,
Robinson, David Crogman,
Robinson, Thomas Holmes, Jr
Roeder, Morris Albert,
Roessler, Harry L.,
Rudolph, Harold Clarence,
Schiesser, Harry William,
Scott, Walter Edward,

State.
Denver, Col.
Wappinger Falls, N. Y.
Alexandria, Pa.
Birdsboro, Pa.
New Brunswick, Canada.

Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Cal.
Pa.
Pa.
N. J.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
N. J.
Pa.
Pa.
N. Y.
Col.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Mass.
Miss.
Pa.
111.
Pa.
Pa.

Russia.
Pa.
N. J.
Ala.
N.J.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
N. J.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Fla.
Pa.
N. J.
Pa.
Del.
Pa.
Va.

Philadelphia,
Millville,
Philadelphia,
Norristown,
Brooklyn,
Denver,
Curwensville,
Limekiln,
Allentown,
Altoona,
Middletown,
Columbia,
Philadelphia,
Springfield,
Columbus,
Scranton,
Maywood,

Philadelphia
Jico,

Columbia,
Atlantic City,
Birmingham,
Bridgeton,
Harrisburg,
Coatesville,
Harrisonville,
Philadelphia,
Carlisle,
Manayunk, Phila.
Bethlehem,
Pennington,
Reading,
Philadelphia,
Lansford,
Palatka,
Shippensburg,
Elmer,
Bloomsburg,
Newark,
Philadelphia,
, Bealeton,

Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Pottsville, Pa.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Pomeroy, Pa.

Preceptor.
Dr. Susan Hayhurst.
George Howarth.
Russell T. Blackwood.
R. Clark.

Mr. Yeaby, Manager.
W. S. Young.
I. Cohen.
J. H. Stein.
W. H. Gano.
Fred. Brown Co.
C. A. Heinitsh.
F. F. Hilliard.
Walter R. Elliott.
L. H. Hirst.
Alex. Wilson.
R. L. Haus.
Funk & Groff.
Atwood Yeakle.

F. F. Drueding.
Dr. Ballantine.
Shinn & Baer.
W. H. Reeser.
Dr. R. C. Peters.
C. G. Neeley.
Chas. E. Bauer.
Eberly Brothers.
Dr. John B. Chapin.
Harry P. Elsey.
Mayo & Weaver.

T. D. MacPhee.

G. M. Beringer.
N. Richardson.
W. A. Shannon.

H. J. Hackett.
W. L. Bucher.
J. V. Townsend.
W. R. Gunn.
Geo. Y. Wood.

C. T. George, Ph.D.
R. H. Lackey.
J. A. Fergusson.

G. B. Evans.
Howard M. Levering.
Walter Crawford.

G. W. Scarborough.
J. H. Stein.

W. P. Bender.
J. A. Quinn.
Ackerman & Stewart.
Fleming & Fleming.
Jos. M. Garrison, Jr.
Moyer Brothers.
Dr. J. B. Butler.

H. M. Minton, Ph.G.
L. F. Ringer.

Dr. A. A. G. Stark.
Harry A. Smith.
John P. Frey.

Jas. Grier Long.

Catalogue of the Class.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ January, 1901.

Name.
Seal, John Horace,
Seeley, Chester Belting,
Shaw, Saml. Frederick,
Shaw, Wm.,
Slobig, Charles Henry,
Smith, Harry Wm.,
Smith, Karl Walter,
Smith, Wm. David Harris,
Soken, Joseph Louis,
Strauss, Robert Franklin,
Stuver, Henry Wm. ,
Swineford, Ernest Clarence,
Swartz, Wm. L.,
Thomas, George Carroll,
Toulson, Jno. Milbourn,
Trost, Wm. Christian,
Tyler, Ephraim Shaw,
Ulrich, Ralph Thomas,
Waldenberger, William,
Walther, Phillip,
Weidemann, George Buzby,
Weigester, Wilson,
Welch, William Herbert,
Williams, Morrison Patton,
Wilson, Oscar Herman,
Winkler, Max Edwin,
Winstanley, John,
Wisegarver, Oscar Kline,
Wollaston. Byron Parker,
Woodill, Robt. Franklin,
Worthington, Warren W.
Ziegler, Chas. Norman,
Ziegler, Wm. Lodge,

Place. State.

Swarthmore, Pa.

Bridgeton, N. J.

Philadelphia, Pa.

St. Louis, Mo.

Reading, Pa.

Pottstown, Pa.

Marietta, Pa.

Jonesboro, Tenn.

Zitsmir, Russia.

Womelsdorf, Pa.

Fort Collins, Col.

Miffinburg, Pa.

Carlisle, Pa.

Lima, Pa.

Chestertown, Md.

Ashland, Pa..

Bridgeton, N. J.

Manheim, Pa.

Manayunk, Pa.

Meadville, Pa.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Troy, Pa.
Frankford, Phila., Pa.

Charlotte, N. C.

Frankford, Phila., Pa.

Philadelphia, Pa.

German town, Phila., Pa.

Quarryville, Pa.

Wayne, Pa.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Gettysburg, Pa.

Steelton, Pa.

Preceptor.
A. R. Morton, M.D.

G. H. Whipple & Son.
Geo. B. Evans.

R. J. Williams.
E. S. Beshore.
R. W. Cuthbert.

E. B. Jones.
Geo. Seldes.

F. T. Landis.
A. W. Scott.

T. B. Brubaker, M.D.
Geo. W. Sipe.
W. P. Wingender.
M. A. Toulson.

A. Schoenenbergh.
W. A. Rumsey.
Dr. E. E. Gibble.
Louis Waldenbergei
V. W. Eiler.

Dr. C. A. Weidemann.
Carpenter & Pierce.
M. J. Wilson, M.D.
Shinn & Baer.
R. J. Siegfried.
O. C. Winkler.

B. A. Wissler.

T. M. Rohrer, M.D.

H. C. Hadley.
Chas. E. Keeler.
Chas. H. Clark.
Lewis Genois.
W. L. Ziegler.

THIRD YEAR CLASS LIST.

Name.
Anstock, Arthur David,
Alden, Harley Roscoe,
Barnett, Eldredge Ewing,
Bell, Robert Nevens,
Bender, Arthur Clarence,
Benner, Fredk. James,
Boesch, Theodore Karl,
Boltz, Paul Kline,
Bosler, Harry Ellis,
Boy sen, Theophilus H., Jr.,
Branin, Manlif Lewis,
Brenner, Frederic A.,
Buckman, William Watson,
Cather, Frank L.,
Collins, Lane Verlenden,
Cone, Earl Hobart,
Converse. Howard R.,
Davis, William Brown,
Doan, Chester Clayton,
Dunn, Edwin Alfred,
Eckels, Paul,

Place. State.

Mahanoy City,

Auburn,

Cape May City,

Kearney,

Shenandoah,

Bethlehem,

York,

Lebanon,

Olean,

Egg Harbor,

Millville,

Kylertown,

Newtown,

Chester,

Gloucester,

Batavia,

Picture Rocks,

Kingston,

Coatesville,

Meadville,

Decatur,

Pa.
Me.
N. J.
Neb.
Iowa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
N. Y.
N. J.
N. J.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
N. J.
N. Y.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
111.

Preceptor.

E. M. Piatt.
Dr. A. T. Pollard.
D. C. Guthrie.
S. A. D. Henline.

D. Ford Barr.
Paul Kempsmith.
A. H. Lafean & Bro.

E. K. Boltz.
J. C. Welch.

Dr. T. H. Boysen.
C. B. McLaughlin.
Lawson C. Funk.
Harry Cox.
L. J. Farley.
John A. Frey.
W.S.& J.J. Patterson.
Moyer Brothers.
W. H. Breisch.
W. E. Lee.
P. H. Utech.
C. A. Eccles.

Am. Jour. Pharm. )
January, 1901. J

Catalogue of the Class,

Name.
Eddy, Roswell Martin,
Eppler, George Theodore,
Fegley, Florence Augusta,
Fegley, John Stauffer,
Fischer, Adolph Gustav,
Fisher, George Galvin,
Fleming, Samuel Clarkson,
French, Rolland Hall,
Garber, Elmer Franklin W.,
Gleim, Harry Charles,
Goodyear, Harry Jacob,
Graham, Willard Rice,
Harbord, Kittie Walker,
Harris, Wm. K. Garfield,
Hassinger, Samuel Reed,
Haydock, Mabelle,
Headings, Prestie Milroy,
Highfield, Herbert Monroe,
Hoffert, Charles Edward,
Hoffman, Ira Calvin,
Houston, Franklin Paxson,
Hubler, Guy Garfield,
Jetton, James Stuart,
Klopp, Edward Jonathan,
Knerr, Charles George,
Kraus, Otto Louis,
Lacy, Burdet Seldon,
Leib, Wilbur John,
Leiby, Howard Edward,
Levering, John H.,
Lewis, Fielding Otis,
Liebert, Louis Williams,
Luebert, Fred'k George,
Luddy, James D.

Place.
Philadelphia,
Philadelphia,
Allentown,
Allentown,
Philadelphia,
Philadelphia,
Philadelphia,
Salem,
Mt. Joy,
Hazleton,
Cornwall,
Philadelphia,
Salem,
Altoona,
Philadelphia,
Philadelphia,
Reedsville,
Zanesville,
Lancaster,
Scalp Level,
Philadelphia,
Gordon,
Dyer,
Reading,
Allentown,
New Haven,
Philadelphia,
York,
Ashfield,
Norristown,
Hebbardsville,
Philadelphia,
Philadelphia,
Chestnut Hill, Phila.

State. Preceptor,

Pa. H. C. Eddy.

Pa. E. E. Wilson.

Pa. Fegley Bros.

Pa. Albert Oetinger.

Pa. E. K. Fisher.

Pa. J. C. Perry.

Ohio. Bolger & French.

Pa. Howard Smoker.

Pa. McNair & Hoagland.

Pa. L. Lemberger & Co.
Pa. Smith, Kline & French Co.

McChntock, Geo. Washington, Key West,

McClurg, Benjamin Hoffer,
McDermott, Rob't Joseph,
McFadden, Warren Lester,
MacPhee, John James,
Mauger, Harry Filman,
Metcalfe, Hiram Kennedy,
Michels, Victor Clyde,
Murphey, Edwin Mason,
Musser, Guy Musselman,
Nauss, George Hill,
Penrose, Thomas William,
Picking, Jacob Sylvester, Jr.
Pittinger, Charles A.,
Pflieger, Adam William,
Pollins, Harry George L.,
Post, Arthur Edward,
Raser, Wm. Heyl,
Reynolds, Clarence Hyatt,
Rhoads, Luther K. ,
Rinker, William,
Roberts, Geo. William,
Rogers, Walter Clyde,
Ryan, Thomas A.,
St. Jacques, Gaston,
Saul, Irvin Ellsworth,
Schmerker, Adolph Alex. B.

Elizabethtown,
Trenton,
Williamsport,
Glasgow,
Pottstown,
Greencastle,
Albion,
Macon,
Witmer,
Steelton,
Philadelphia,
Somerset,
Freehold,
York,

Greensburg,
Towanda,
Reading,
Reynoldsville,
Reading,
Hellertown,
Philadelphia,
West Chester,
Susquehanna,
St. Hyacinthe,
Windsor Castle
Allentown,

Ore.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Ohio.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Tenn
Pa.
Pa.
Conn.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Ky.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Fla.
Pa.
N. J.
Pa.

Nova Scotia.
Pa.
Pa.
111.
Miss.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
N. J.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.
Pa.

Canada
Pa.
Pa.

Danl. J. Fry.
A. F, Shimberg.
S. E. R. Hassinger.
Susanna G. Haydock.
J. C. Perry.
Bailey Drug Co.
Chas. E. Keller.
H. B. Heffley.
R. T. Young.
J. E. Gregory.
Hayes & Griggsby.
H. C. Blair.
G. W. Shoemaker & Co.
Otto Kraus.
Harry Cox.
John P. Frey.
F. G. Mumma.
Eugene Fillman.
R. M. McFarland.
Dr. Thos. H. Price.

E. F. G. Mickley.

F. P. Streeper.
H. C. Blair.
Alfred H. Bolton.

A. S. Wickhaoi.
Duble & Cornell.
F. D. MacPhee.
J. D. Seiberling.
Sands Drug Co.

B. F. Michels.
T. S. Murphey.
R. W. Cuthbert, Ph.G.
W. K. Martz.
F. W. E. Stedem.
Dr. F. C. Kress.
Edward G. Bacon.
A. L. Ziegler.
S. P. Brown.
F. E. Post.
John B. Raser.
S. Reynolds, M.D.

C. H. Randenbush.
F. E. Jacobson.
Dr. J. L. Sands.
Frank P. Rogers.
Dr. W. S. Mitchell.
Dr. E. St. Jacques.
Jesse W. Pechin.
J. L. Crothers.

Catalogue of the Class.

( Am. Jour. Ptaarm.
I January, 1901.

Name.

Schneider, Bmil Sebastian,
Schoolev, Joseph Griggs,
Scott, Henry William,
Shafer, Clarence Eugene,
Shannon, Byron Guest,
Shaver, David Oscar,
Sheffer, William Waiter,
Shenkle, Albert Philip,
Shields, Percy Way,
Skillman, Lionel Gilliland,
Slocum, Chas. Eben,
Spears, Edward Gibson,
Steever, Wm. Forsaith,
Stoudt, Irwin Sylvester,
Stout, Benjamin Franklin,
Strathie, Alex. John,
Texter, Charles Henry,
Tingle, John Beard,
Urffer, Samuel,
Van Gilder, Levi,
Walker, Joseph Franklin,
Watson, Herbert James,
Wolfer, William Conrad,
Wolfinger, John Philip,
Ziegler, C. Harry,

Place.

State.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Montgomery, Pa.
Waynesburg, Pa.
Altoona, Pa.
Philadelphia, Pa.

Altoona, Pa.

Dillsburg, Pa.

Phcenixville, Pa.

West Chester, Pa.
Philadelphia, Pa.

Ouray, Col.
Reading, Pa.

Millersburg, Pa.

Obold, Pa.

Quakertown, Pa.

Sussex, England.

Perkasie, Pa.

Dayton, Ohio.
South Bethlehem, Pa.

Petersburg, X. J.

Bridgeport, Pa.

Wilmington, Del.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Reading, Pa.

York, Pa.

Preceptor.
Philip Goll.
T. W. Strank.
Dr. Brock.
H. L. Stiles.
A. C. Schoneld.
F. L. Akers.
Lawson C. Funk.
M. R. Shenkle.
W. W. Bowman.
Shoemaker & Busch.
C. C. Stratton.
Harry H. Kline.
C. E. Steever.
Wm. Proctor, Jr., Co.
N. S. Steltzer.
Wm. J. Jenks.
Harry Neamand.
E. M. Boring.
H. W. Sheets.
George J. Pechin.

H. K. Watson.
Edward C. Stout.
H. J. Schad.
Nelson B. Fry.

SPECIAL STUDENTS.

Name.
Andrews, W. C,
Boss, A. C,
Capwell, H. M.,
Carter, F. P.,
Cavanaugh, F. A.,
Cone, Earl Hobart,
Cooney, Wm. Francis,
Crawford, W. H., Jr.,
Dubbs, Carbon P.,
Ehman, J. W.,
Everham, Harry V.,
French, Rolland Hall,
Gagan, George,
Hoffman, N. B.,
Jaeger, W. C,
Kane, J. K.,
Lord, Geo. W., Jr.,
McMahon. Joseph Alphonsus
Michels, V. C,
Pitts, M. W.,
Roberts, John Austin,
Staley, F. W.,
Stolz, Louis,
Suess, Ignatz,
Smith, F. D. G., Ph.G.,
Thompson, Samuel,
Walker, J. T.,
Whitaker, W. E. ,
Winters, O. E.,

Place. State. Department.

Woodstown, X. J. Chemistry.

Philadelphia, Pa. Chemistry.

Ashbourne, Pa. Chemistry.

Batavia, N. Y. Chemistry.

Florence, Mass. Chemistry.

Ashbourne, Pa. Chemistry.

Pittsburg, Pa. Chemistry.

Philadelphia, Pa. Chemistry.

Ambler, Pa. Chemistry.

Salem, Ohio. Chemistry.

Wilmington, Del. Chemistry.

Fairview, Pa. Chemistry.

Philadelphia, Pa. Chemistry.

Brooklyn, N. Y. Chemistry.

Haddonfield, X. J. Chemistry.

Lock Haven, Pa. Chemistry.

Albion, 111. Chemistry.

Lynn, Mass. Chemistry.

Wilmington, Del. Chemistry.

Middletown, Pa. Chemistry.

Syracuse, N. Y. Chemistry.

Gr. Meseritch, Austria. Chemistry.

Grand Fords, X. D. Chemistry,

Germantown, Phila., Pa. Chemistry.

Bridgeport, Pa. Chemistry .

Frankford, Pa. Chemistry.

Germantown, Phila., Pa. Chemistry.

THE AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY

FEBRUARY, igoi.

THE CHEMISTRY OF IPECACUANHA.
By Dr. B. H. Paul and A. J. Cowni/by.

Ipecacuanha is probably, next to opium and cinchona bark, one of
the most important drugs in the official materia medica. Its chemi-
cal history, however, has been for a long time very imperfect, and
although some of its medicinal effects have been ascribed to the
presence of an alkaloid, there has been hitherto considerable doubt
whether that was always the case. In prosecuting an inquiry as to
the amount and nature of the alkaloid in ipecacuanha to which the
name emetine has been given, reference was, of course, made to the
observations of previous experimenters. Instead, however, of deriv-
ing much assistance from the statements of their results, we found
that they led to considerable uncertainty resp'ecting the chemical
identity of the alkaloid described as emetine.

The investigation of ipecacuanha from a chemical point of view
was first undertaken by Pelletier,1 shortly after Sertlirner's discovery
6f morphine. Pelletier showed that the medicinal properties of the
drug were due to a " proximate principle or matiere vomitive," to
which he gave the name of Emetine, from efieco to vomit. A for-
mula for its preparation was introduced into the French Codex in
1 8 1 8.2 The product so obtained — amounting to 1 6 per cent, of the
drug — was little more than a concentrated alcoholic extract. It had
the form of transparent scales of a reddish-brown color, acid
reaction and bitter taste, was very deliquescent, soluble in all propor-

1 A?males de Chim. et de Pkys., IV, 172, and Joicrn, de Pharm., », III, 145 ;
IV, 322, 1817.

2 Codex Med., 1818, 179.

(57)

Chemistry of Ipecacuanha.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
I February, 1901. ,

tions in water or alcohol, but insoluble in ether. The aqueous solu-
tion gave a green color with ferric salts and copious flocculent pre-
cipitates on the addition of basic lead acetate or infusion of nutgalls.
It was, in fact, a pharmaceutical preparation rather than a distinct
chemical substance, and was essentially a compound of the basic con-
stituents of ipecacuanha with a substance somewhat analogous to
tannin.

Subsequently Pelletier succeeded, in conjunction with Magendie,
in obtaining a product of distinctly basic character, which was sub-
mitted to analysis by Dumas1 and its composition was represented
as corresponding with the formula C15H24N04.

Found. Calculated.

C 64-57 64-24

H 777 8-39

N 4"3o 4*96

O 22-95 22"6l

99*59 100*20

This base was described as a white pulverulent substance some-
what yellowish and becoming colored on exposure, but not deli-
quescent. It melted about 500 C, was very slightly soluble in cold
water, freely soluble in alcohol and insoluble in ether.

It had a marked alkaline reaction and neutralized acids, but ap-
parently did not form crystallizable salts, though "acid solutions some-
times showed signs of crystals." An aqueous solution was not pre-
cipitated by basic lead acetate. It was, therefore, very different
from the emetine of the French Codex, and Magendie found it to be
three times as effective medicinally.

Various methods of preparing emetine were subsequently sug-
gested by Calloud, Merck, Reich and Leprat, but none of them
furnished a perfectly pure and chemically individual substance.
The examination of the alkaloid obtained from the official Brazilian
ipecacuanha by Reich2 is chiefly noticeable for the results of the ele-
mentary analysis leading to the formula C20H30N2O5 :

Found. Calculated.

C 63-114 63-49

H 7*99i 7*93

N . 6*109 7-40

O • r 22786 2I'l8

ICO' lOO*

xAnn. de Chim. Phys.y 2, XXIV, 180.
2i863. Archiv der Pharm., 2, 113, 193.

Am. Jour. Pbarru.)
February, 1901. J

Chemistry of Ipecacuanha.

The ipecacuanha then employed for medicinal purposes in France
was probably the officially recognized drug imported from Brazil,
under the name of Rio ipecacuanha, the product of a plant belonging
to the genus Cephaelis, and growing in the province of Mato Grosso,
situated in the basin of the river Paraguay.1 The Codex of 1758
enumerated three kinds of the official drug2 — ipecacuanha fusca,
ipecacuanha cineriia and ipecacuanha candidior — which would
probably correspond with the three varieties, brown, gray and
white, mentioned by Pelletier in his memoir as being the kinds
most used.3 The botanical source of these varieties is uncertain, for
Pelletier's statement that the brown ipecacuanha examined by him
was the product of Psyclwtria emetica was subsequently corrected by
Guibourt.4 In addition to the varieties attributed to the genus
Cephaelis, two other kinds of ipecacuanha appear to have been official
at that time, the " striated "5 and " undulated."6 Other kinds of
ipecacuanha were imported from Para and Bahia, under names taken
from the provinces of Brazil whence they were collected. Some of
them no doubt were derived from plants of the genus Cephaelis and
others from species of Ionidium, etc.

The gradually increasing scarcity and high price of the Brazilian
drug, as well as the success attending the importation of cinchona
bark from New Granada, subsequently led to the introduction of a
drug from that part of South America, under the name of Cartha-
gena ipecacuanha, obtained from a plant growing in great abund-
ance on the banks of the Magdalena River, and considered by Gui-
bourt to be a different and botanically undetermined species of
' Cephaelis J In 1869 Lefort directed attention to this drug,8 point-
ing out that, although differing in appearance from Brazilian ipe-
cacuanha, it might be equally useful medicinally, and could, in that
case, be recognized officially as a valuable supplement to the Bra-
zilian drug. But before its use in pharmacy could be adopted,

1See Weddell, Ann. des Sciences Naturelles, II, 193.
2 Codex Med., 1758, p. 63.
*Jdurn. de Pharm., Ill, 148.

4 Guibourt, " Histoire abrege des Drogues Simples." Second edition. I, 298.

5 Described by Guibourt as Radix Psychotricc. Ibid., p. 301.

6 Referred by Guibourt to a species of Richardsonia. Ibid., p. 302.
7 "Histoire Naturelle des Drogues Simples," III, 82, 1850.
8Carthagena ipecacuanha was imported into France in boxes or casks by way
of Havre, while the Brazilian drug was imported in serons by way of Bordeaux.

C lie mis try of Ipecacuanha.

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
I February, 1901.

better knowledge was requisite as to its components, and of its
actual behavior to the official drug as a therapeutic agent. Lefort,1
in order to solve that problem, and with the view of definitely settling
the question whether the ipecacuanha of New Granada could be sub-
stituted for the official drug, made a comparative examination of the
two kinds by determining the amount of alkaloid contained in
them.

Lefort had recourse to the method suggested by the observations of
Pelletier and Dumas that the alkaloid of ipecacuanha formed with
tannin a compound characterized by its very sparing solubility in
water. The powdered drug was extracted by strong and weak
alcohol successively; the alcoholic liquor evaporated to a syrup and
the residue mixed with a large quantity of water. Tannin in slight
excess was then added to the filtered liquid and the precipitate so
produced well washed, dried and weighed. In that way Lefort
arrived at the conclusion that the ipecacuanha of New Granada con-
tained rather less alkaloid than that of Brazil, the relative amounts
ot tannate obtained being 1-34 and 1-44 percent. Another method
adopted for comparing the two kinds of ipecacuanha as to their con-
tents in alkaloid was based on the sparing solubility of the nitrate
of the base in water. The results thus obtained were very similar,
so far as the amount of alkaloid was concerned ; but Lefort too
readily assumed the chemical identity of the basic constituents of
the two different kinds of ipecacuanha. In a subsequent memoir,
published during the same year, Lefort gave the results of a more
particular study of the properties and composition of the
alkaloid obtained from ipecacuanha.2 The method then adopted
for its extraction consisted in treating the syrupy residue of an
alcoholic extract with caustic potash and chloroform. A product
was obtained from the chloroform solution consisting chiefly of a
base mixed with a resinous substance. These were separated by
treatment with a very dilute acid, and, by adding to the clear solu-
tion just enough ammonia, the base was precipitated almost free
from the resinous substance, the last portion of which was removed
by digesting the washed and dried precipitate with ether. The
base thus obtained was a very light powder of a white or gray

xJourn. de Pharm. et de Chimie, 4, IX, 167.
"-Journ. de Pharm. et de Chimie, 4, IX, 241.

-FebWyTiwif1'} Chemistry of Ipecacuanha. 61

color, according to the degree of purity, almost inodorous and of
bitter taste. It melted at yo° C. and on exposure acquired a brownish
color, but did not deliquesce. It was sparingly soluble in cold
water — I : 1,000 — readily soluble in alcohol and in chloroform, but
very slightly soluble in ether, and it was uncrystallizable. That
base was readily dissolved by caustic potash or soda and the solu-
tions rapidly absorbed oxygen from the atmosphere. It was less
freely soluble in ammonia, and when mixed with lime or magnesia
it became yellow on exposure to air. It was readily dissolved by
most acids, neutralizing them and forming soluble uncrystallizable
salts ; with nitric acid it formed a very slightly soluble salt and this
was considered to be the most distinctive characteristic of the base.
Potassium iodide and alcoholic solution of iodine gave precipitates
which were very sparingly soluble in water. Mercuric chloride and
potassium mercuric iodide gave white precipitates insoluble in water
and soluble in alcohol. The platinochloride was soluble in water,
but only sparingly soluble in alcohol, whilst ammonium molybdate
and basic lead acetate both gave precipitates. Lefort did not analyze
the base so obtained ; but with the aid of the analytical data
given by Pelletier and Dumas he endeavored to ascertain its
molecular weight from the saturating capacity and the composition
of its salts by determining the amounts of combined acids in the
neutral sulphate and hydrochloride. On that basis, and assuming
the alkaloid to be identical with the substance analyzed by Dumas,
it was inferred that its formula was C^H^NX^.

Calculated. Found.

C 64-28 64-57

H ■ 7-86 • 777

N 5 '00 4-30

O 22-85 22-95

99'99 99"59

The subject was next taken up by Glenard,1 who applied the
method of treatment with lime and ether for extraction of the alka-
loid, obtaining it colorless and in relatively large amount, a result
that was not consistent with the description of emetine then accep-
ted. Glenard obtained the alkaloid by mixing a dry alcoholic ex-
tract of ipecacuanha with an equal quantity ofMvater and one and

1 "Recherches sur l'alcaloide de l'ipecacuanha," Ann. de Chim. et de Phvs.,
5, VIII, 233

Chemistry of Ipecacuanha.

( Am. .Jour. I'harm.
I February, 1901.

one-half times its weight of lime, then percolating the mixture with
hot ether in the proportion of I litre of ether to 100 grammes of the
extract. That ethereal solution was then shaken with sufficient
weak hydrochloric acid to form a salt and, after separating the
ether, the base was precipitated from the aqueous solution by am-
monia. By careful evaporation of an aqueous solution of the hydro-
chloride the salt was obtained in a crystalline form. That result —
contrary to the experience of Lefort and others, that all the salts of
emetine were uncrystallizable — enabled Glenard, by repeated crys-
tallization, to prepare a product of greater purity than had hitherto
been obtained. Analysis of the purified base gave results very dif-
ferent from those obtained by Dumas, as shown below:

Glenard. Durnas.

C 72-43 72-o8 64-57

H 8-64 8-59 4-30

N 5-28 5-42 777

O . 13-65 13-91 22-95

ioo- 100- 99-59

Glenard's data leading to the formula C15H2,N02 were further con-
firmed by the analysis of the crystalline hydrochloride.

Calculated for
Found. C15Ho2NOo,HCl.

C 63-00 63-26

H 8-15 8-o8

N 4-75 4-92

O .11*64 11-24

CI 12-46 12-47

From these results Glenard was led to the conclusion that the
substance analyzed by Dumas, as well as that subsequently obtained
by Lefort, could not have been sufficiently purified.

As a result of the question raised by Glenard as to the purity and
individuality of the substance obtained by previous experimenters,
a further paper was published by Lefort and Wurtz1 in which they
suggested a method of preparing emetine by mixing an aqueous
solution of the alcoholic extract of ipecacuanha with a saturated
solution of potassium nitrate. The washed precipitate of the nitrate
which required ioo parts of water for solution was dissolved in hot

^"Memoire sur la Preparation et la Composition de rEmetine," Ann.
Chim. Pkys., 5, VIII, 277.

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
February, 1901. J

Chemistry of Ipecacuanha.

alcohol mixed with lime and, after evaporating off the alcohol, the
dry residue was extracted with ether. The base was then further
purified until almost colorless and it was then assumed to be abso-
lutely pure. Analysis corresponded with the formula C28H40N2O5.

Found.

Calculated.

6979

69-47

69-01

69-42

8-i5

8-i8

8*14

8-27

5*15

5-84

5 49

578

16-30

16:51

17*36

16-53

In further confirmation of that formula, an analysis of the nitrate
showed that its composition was represented by the formula C28H40-
NA.2NO3H.

Whatever may have been the chemical character of the substances
subjected to analysis for the purpose of the investigations already
referred to, there can be little doubt that commercial emetine was
impure and sometimes contaminated with a considerable amount of
resin or of the constituent of ipecacuanha which to some extent re-
sembles tannin.

Podwyssotzki,1 who pointed out that fact, proposed to remove the
impurity by means of ferric chloride. The product thus obtained
was snow white, it melted at 62°-6$° C, had a strongly alkaline
reaction, was readily soluble in ether and very sparingly soluble in
water. By the slow evaporation of an ether solution of the base
partial crystallization occurred, but none of the salts were obtained
in a crystalline form. The base was sparingly soluble in cold petro-
leum spirit or benzine, but easily soluble when heated, separating
again, on cooling, in white flocks.

Some years after, the alkaloid of ipecacuanha was again submitted
to investigation by Kunz,2 who adopted a modified form of the
method of preparation suggested by Podwyssotzki. Kunz's product
was amorphous and colorless, but it rapidly became yellow on ex-
posure. It was " by no means insoluble in caustic alkalies," very
sparingly soluble in cold water, cold petroleum spirit or ether, but

1 Pharm. Zeits.fur Russland, XIX, 1 ; Pharm. Journ., 3, X, 642.

2 " Beitrage zur Kenntniss des Emetine," Archiv der Pharm., XXV, 461.

Chemistry of Ipecacuanha.

f Am. Jour. Pharru.
(. February, 1901.

more freely by heating. By rapid evaporation of a concentrated
ether solution of the base distinct acicular crystals were sometimes
obtained. When free from moisture or adherent petroleum ether,
it melted at 68°-74° C.

The retention of minute traces of solvent was also considered to
have been the cause of the differences between the analytical results
of previous observers, and when that was provided against, analysis
gave numbers leading to the formula C30H40NoO5.

In none of the memoirs above referred to is there any statement
as to the kind of ipecacuanha operated on, and it was probable that
some of the discrepancies they present might be ascribed to differ-
ences in the drug examined. The general probability that ipecacu-
anha might contain more than one alkaloid was also recognized by
Glenard as well as by Lefort and Wurtz, but in neither case was any
definite conclusion arrived at on that point, so that the alkaloid ob-
tainable from ipecacuanha has hitherto been always regarded as one
substance, having distinct chemical individuality.

On the contrary, we find that ipecacuanha resembles cinchona
bark, a product of the same natural order, containing at least three
alkaloids, and probably other alkaloids in small proportions.

Of the three alkaloids which we have isolated, one is uncrystal-
lizable, but capable of forming salts which are crystalliz xble, though
for the most part very freely soluble. For this base we have re-
tained the name emetine. The second alkaloid, named cephaeline,
is crystallizable, less soluble in ether than emetine, but freely solu-
ble in alcohol or chloroform; much more soluble than emetine in
hot petroleum spirit, and readily soluble in solutions of caustic
alkali. The third alkaloid, termed psychotrine, has been isolated in
only small quantity, and exists in the drug in very small amount,
relatively, to emetine and cephaeline.

The failure of most previous observers to arrive at correct conclu-
sions in regard to the ipecacuanha alkaloids presents some features
of interest as showing how largely the results of such investigation
may be influenced by accidental circumstances.

Lefort's method of extraction with chloroform in the presence of
caustic potash furnished a product consisting of an uncertain mix-
ture of all the alkaloids, and, in the absence of any ascertained dis-
tinction between them, their separation by Lefort was impossible.
Therefore, the formula assigned to emetine by Lefort, on the basis of

AFebruUaryTi9aoim'} Chemistry of Ipecacuanha. 65

Dumas' analysis, was necessarily inaccurate. The result arrived at by
Lefort and Wurtz in their subsequent investigation was also defect-
ive for the same reason, although the mixed alkaloids were then ob-
tained in a condition of greater freedom from impurity by extracting
the drug with ether in the presence of lime.

Podwyssotzki's result obtained by employing ferric chloride to
remove the tannin constituent was vitiated by using petroleum
spirit for extraction. The product thus obtained was consequently
an indefinite mixture of cephaeline and emetine from the action of
the petroleum spirit on both the alkaloids, whilst probably the
greater part of the emetine was not extracted at all. Kunz also
used petroleum spirit and with a similar result, as is shown by the
fact that the alkaloid obtained is described as (partially ?) soluble
in caustic alkalies. The formula deduced from analysis by Kunz
was therefore necessarily incorrect, as the material operated upon
by him must have been a mixture. The experiments made by Kunz
for ascertaining the constitution of emetine were also, for the same
reason, fallacious, and therefore no importance can be assigned to
the conclusions that were arrived at by him. The observations of
Blunt,1 that a so-called emetine of the molecular weight 508, as
assigned to it by Kunz, requires one equivalent of a dibasic acid
for neutralization, do not in any way advance the chemistry of the
subject, inasmuch as Glenard had already shown that pure emetine
assumed to have a combining weight of 248 is monobasic ; hence it
naturally follows that if the base were assumed to have a combin-
ing weight twice as great it would appear to be dibasic. Blunt,
like Kunz, failed to obtain emetine hydrochloride in a crystalline
form, for the simple reason that both chemists were dealing with
a mixture of the two bases emetine and cephaeline.

Glenard, however, was more fortunate in his investigation. That
was due to the care taken in obtaining the alkaloid in the state of a
crystalline neutral hydrochloride, after extraction, by treatment with
lime and ether. As a consequence of adopting that method of
treatment, the cephaeline was eliminated and emetine was isolated
in a pure condition, as shown by the results of Glenard's analyses,
which correspond very closely with our own. Indications of the
existence of another alkaloid were observed by Glenard, but they
were not followed up by him.

XT. P. Blunt, Pharm. Journ., 3, XX, 809.

66 Pharmacy Legislation. { ^iryffgoi."0'

Glenard's observations have received, however, very little notice,
and in most chemical books the formula assigned to emetine by
Kunz has been adopted as the most satisfactory. That view, how-
ever, must now be abandoned, since the results of our investigations
show that the substance to which Kunz refers could not have been
a definite substance.

( To be continued.)

PRACTICAL POLITICS APPLIED TO PHARMACY
LEGISLATION.

By J. H. Beai,, Scio, O.
THE PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY THE GODMOTHER OF
PHARMACY LEGISLATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

It is especially fitting that the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
should take an active#part in the discussion and advocacy of phar-
macy legislation, since this institution may properly be regarded as
the godmother of practically all the existing pharmacy laws in the
United States. Our present laws are largely built upon the Ameri-
can Pharmaceutical Association model of 1869, which was mainly
prepared by a member of the faculty of this institution, and was
discussed and approved by the College before it was presented to
the Association. This model is often referred to as if it were a
mere copy of the English statute of 1868, but aside from the fact
that, like the English law, it sought to restrict the practice of
pharmacy to registered persons, it was built upon wholly original
lines, and proposed an entirely different form of machinery for
carrying the law into effect.

THE AWAKENING OF PHARMACY.

It must be evident to every observer of pharmaceutical affairs
that we are in the midst of an extraordinary movement that
promises to place the practice of pharmacy upon an entirely differ-
ent footing from that which it has hitherto occupied.

After a long lethargy, the pharmacists of the United States are
apparently just awakening to the fact that collectively they are
capable of exerting a tremendous force in securing for themselves
a position in the social and economic scale more befitting the ser-
vice they render society than they have enjoyed in the past.

Am. Jour. Pharro.\
February, 1901. J

Pharmacy Legislation.

Everywhere there are signs of activity among the pharmaceutical
fraternity, new associations are forming, and old ones are becoming
more active. Renewed interest is being taken in pressing for State
and National legislation tending to relieve pharmacy from unduly
burdensome taxation, and in movements tending to secure fairer
and more profitable trade relations between the manufacturing and
jobbing interests on the one hand and the dispensing and retail
interests on the other.

THE INCREASING ACTIVITY IN PHARMACY LEGISLATION.

One of <the most important features of this awakening of the phar-
maceutical body politic is the gradual evolution, through the joint
efforts of the courts and legislatures, of a rational system of phar-
maceutical jurisprudence ; one which shall protect the public inter-
est withoat imposing upon the natural and constitutional rights of
the pharmacist, and which shall secure to the latter the opportunity
of exercising his calling with the hope of reasonable profit, without
infringing upon the rights of the public.

To secure this devoutly wished-for consummation, pharmacists
must be active, not passive, factors. Plato says " that the punish-
ment which the wise suffer who refuse to take part in the govern-
ment is to live under the government of worse men." The penalty
imposed upon pharmacists if they fail to take a proper interest in
the enactment of pharmacy legislation is that they must live under
laws enacted by men much less competent than themselves to pre-
pare such legislation.

THE OBSTACLES TO PHARMACY LEGISLATION MAINLY FROM
PHARMACISTS.

While we have heard much concerning the opposition of legisla-
tors to the enactment of appropriate pharmacy laws, it is the writer's
opinion, based upon actual experience in advocating measures before
the General Assembly, that the prime difficulty in the way of phar-
macy legislation is the active or passive opposition of pharmacists
themselves.

This opposition is of three kinds:

(1) The opposition of those who, without knowing why, stupidly
imagine that the law will in some way interfere with their business,
or who, being conscious of their own unfitness, or that they are

Pharmacy Legislation.

f Am. Jour. Pliarm.
I February. 1901.

conducting their business in an immoral or improper manner, are
opposed to any measures which might possibly interfere with
them.

(2) The opposition, or what amounts to such, of those pharma-
cists who insist upon extreme or radical provisions which, if inserted
in the measure, would most likely secure its defeat before the
assembly, or, if it should chance to be enacted, would endanger it
in the courts because of its interference with constitutional pro-
visions. The overcoming of this species of opposition, for such it
is in effect, is especially difficult from the fact that it comes from
those who claim to be friends of the pharmacy law and therefore
entitled to especial consideration.

(3) The third obstacle is found in the great mass of druggists
who are poorly informed as to the nature of the legislation which
should be sought, or are indifferent to the whole subjects These,
when asked, generally profess to be in favor of pharmacy legisla-
tion, but limit their efforts in this respect to criticising the measures
prepared by others, and count themselves liberal supporters of a
bill if they do not openly oppose it.

Thus it appears that those who advocate the reform of the phar-
macy laws must first overcome the opposition of those members of
their own profession who are totally opposed to such legislation,
must defeat the mischievous efforts of those who are in favor of
radical and impractical provisions, must be able to carry with them
the dead weight of the great number who are entirely indifferent,
and then must still have left, sufficient energy to beat down the
opposition from the extra-pharmaceutical forces which are naturally
expected to array themselves against such reforms.

A PLAN OF CAMPAIGN FOR THE ENACTMENT OF A PHARMACY LAW.

It has been the writer's fortune, or misfortune, to have been en-
gaged in advocating or opposing pharmacy legislation at every
session of the legislature of his own State for the past eight or ten
years. This experience has convinced him that failure to procure
the enactment of desirable pharmacy laws generally results from a
lack of experience on the part of the persons who are delegated to
look after the interests of the measure, or from a neglect to set
about the work in the thoroughgoing and systematic manner which
is indispensable to the successful passage of a bill through the

AFebSyfSr-} Pharmacy Legislation. 69

legislature when any opposition is manifested. Assuming that this
assemblage is more interested in practical results than in literary
composition, and at the risk of being prosy, the writer will attempt
to formulate a simple plan of campaign which, in his opinion, should
be followed by those who attempt to procure the enactment of a
pharmacy law.

LEGISLATION SHOULD BE UNDER CONTROL OF THE STATE ASSOCIATION.

Without stopping to argue the point, it is taken for granted that
the State pharmaceutical association should assume the initiative,
and should have full control and direction of all legislation affecting
pharmacy. This organization is properly regarded as representing
the best elements of the profession *in the State, and as probably
expressing in the measures prepared by it the consensus of opinion
of the druggists of the commonwealth, and its representatives, if
they proceed discreetly, will be accorded a degree of attention by
legislatures and by legislative committees that individuals or local
societies could not expect to receive.

AROUSING THE INTEREST OF THE STATE ASSOCIATION.

The first great effort should be to thoroughly enlist the State
association in favor of the proposed measure. This can best be ac-
complished by calling a special session for the express purpose of
considering a draft of the law, at which session all other business
should be tabooed. Preferably this meeting should be held just
before or just after the opening of the State legislature, in order
that the measure approved by the association may be put in in time
to secure a good position on the calendar.

The draft should be presented to the association by some one
who has made a thorough study of its provisions, and is therefore
qualified to answer the objections which will invariably be raised by
those who have not studied it, and will naturally want to know
why this or that provision has been inserted or omitted. Gener-
ally the association's endorsement can be obtained with very little
discussion, but as the prime object of the meeting is educational,
the fullest possible debate should be encouraged. The draft should
be read and discussed by sections, and every person present should
be invited to participate, so that every member shall go home an
advocate for the bill, and prepared to meet and answer the objec-
tions which may be brought against it.

JO Pilar mac y Legislation. { AF4br°uYrV!i9aoim*

THE FORM OF LAW TO BE INTRODUCED.

If an entirely new law is to be submitted to the general assem-
bly, it should be modelled on the lines of the draft approved by the
American Pharmaceutical Association at its meeting at Richmond
in 1900, and whatever changes are made in this should be inserted
by a competent attorney, who has been employed to give the mat-
ter his careful attention. If this is not, done, the probability is that
some inconsistency will be introduced which will ruin the chances
of the measure before the legislature, or render it useless if passed.
Many a good measure has failed of enactment because of the pres-
ence of a single objectionable clause or phrase.

AMENDMENTS.

As amendments to a bill after it has entered upon its legislative
course are almost always dangerous, and frequently fatal, it. should,
before its introduction, be brought as nearly as possible into the
shape in which it will have the best chance of passing. Those who
insist upon the insertion of radical provisions, with the argument
that if the legislature does not like them they can be stricken out,
should have their attention called to the fact that the amendment
of a bill while in the act of going through the legislature always
means delay, and more often than not it means defeat. Bills in the
legislature cannot be amended with the same readiness that they
can in a debating society or in a pharmaceutical association. H Re-
ferred back to committee for amendment " has been the epitaph of
many a brave pharmacy bill which, if properly prepared in the first
place, would have had bright prospects of enactment. All provisions
likely to imperil the bill should be rigorously excluded, and if of
sufficient importance may afterwards be introduced into the assem-
bly as separate measures.

THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION.

The final work of the association will be the important one of
selecting the Committee on Legislation, or the committee which is
to look after the interests of the bill before the legislature.

The task of this committee is one of labor and vexation, requir-
ing rare tact and patience, eternal vigilance and unceasing industry.
To such an extent does the success of the bill depend upon the per-
sonnel of the legislative committee that it would not be far from the

Am. Jour. Pharru. \
February, 1901. /

Pharmacy Legislation.

truth to say that its fate is settled when this committee is selected.
State associations have numerous offices wherein merely ornamental
members may be safely lodged, but on its legislative committee it
needs its most resourceful, most energetic and most earnest men.

WORK UPON THE ABSENTEES AND NON-MEMBERS.

Immediately following the adjournment of the State meeting a
circular letter should be addressed to the druggists of the State,
whether members of the association or not, stating briefly what
has been done and asking their co-operation in securing the passage
of the bill. The principal changes proposed in the law should be
explained, and care should be taken to state that the interests of
those already in business will not be affected deleteriously by its
enactment. The circular should be conciliatory in tone, and calcu-
lated to allay the opposition of those druggists who are always on
the alert to discover evil in measures proposed by others than them-
selves.

SELECTING A SPONSOR FOR THE BILL.

The next important step is the selection of the proper person to
introduce the bill into the general assembly. This is a matter of
vital importance, since a mistake in the selection of a champion may
jeopardize or even defeat the measure.

In fixing upon the proper person to introduce the bill the follow-
ing considerations should be kept in mind :

He should be a man of learning and ability, popular with his
associates and preferably one who has had prior legislative expe-
rience.

He should be personally interested in the bill, a believer in its
merits, and willing to devote time and energy toward securing its
enactment.

He should be a member of a strong delegation, i. e.y should be
from some city or district which has a large representation in
the general assembly. As a member can usually command the
unanimous support of his own delegation, and as the influence of a
large delegation is important, other delegations having measures to
pass will be chary of opposing the pharmacy bill.

The bill should be first introduced into that branch of the general
assembly which it would have the most difficulty in passing if

72 Pharmacy Legislation. {A^SSS^mL'

much opposition be manifested. This is recommended for the
reason that -the opposition will not at first have had time to organ-
ize their forces, and also because those who are opposed to legisla-
tive measures generally make their greatest effort when the bill is
put upon its final passage. If the bill is successful in this part of
its course, it will have added prestige and the advantage of being
in the house of its friends when the strongest assault is made upon
it.

WORK AFTER THE BILL IS INTRODUCED.

The real work of the committee on legislation begins after the
bill has been introduced into the general assembly. This work is
to convert a majority of the members of both houses to the belief
that the bill is a clean, honest measure, that its enactment will
prove a public benefit, and that it is generally desired throughout
the State by those who are in the practice of pharmacy. If this
impression can be made upon the minds of a majority of the assem-
blymen, success is assured.

It must be remembered that not one member in ten will read
the bill, unless he has been specially requested to do so by some
interested constituent. Most of them will rely upon the statements
of those who have the bill in charge for their information as to its
contents and purpose. If the measure seems to be generally popu-
lar with men in whom they have confidence, they will conclude
that it is a meritorious one, and will give it their support. Other-
wise they will either hold aloof from it or vote with the opposition.

Among the most efficient means of favorably influencing the
members of the legislature are the following :

(1) Resolutions by local associations and the colleges. Every
pharmaceutical association and every college and school of phar-
macy in the State should meet and adopt resolutions in favor of
the bill, and forward them to the delegation from the county or dis-
trict in which the society or college is located.

(2) Personal letters from prominent pharmacists in every part of
the State to the members from their respective districts, soliciting
their support. Nothing is so effective with a member of the as-
sembly as a letter, or several of them, from one or more of his
constituents. It matters but little what the form of the letter is,
provided it expresses the fact that its writer is in favor of the

AFebr°uaryT^r-} Pharmacy Legislation. 73

measure and desires his representative and senator to support it.
Even if the member has previously made up his mind to oppose
the bill, he will oppose it less vigorously, or possibly not at all, if
he receives a few letters from his constituents in its favor.

To secure those letters is really the most difficult part of the work
of the committee.

The temptation is usually great to send out printed letters to the
druggists throughout the State, requesting them to sign and for-
ward the same to their members in the legislature. At the best,
this plan is a waste of postage and white paper. Members of the
legislature usually regard such methods as an attempt on the part
of some person or committee to manufacture fictitious sentiment,
and very justly consider that if their constituents do not have suffi-
cient interest in the bill to compose a letter in its favor, they must
care very little what becomes of it. The best way is for the com-
mittee on legislation to make a direct appeal to prominent phar-
macists throughout the State to write to their senators and repre-
sentatives. If, say, fifty such men can be induced to write to their
members in the assembly, and the endorsement of the local societies
and colleges has been secured, the bill, if it is a good one, is almost
sure to pass.

Not only should retail pharmacists be appealed to to write such let-
ters, but wholesalers, manufacturers, physicians, and in fact any good
citizen who by virtue of his social or political position should have
influence in the legislature. It is all the better if persons entirely
disconnected with pharmacy can be induced to interest themselves,
as this is justly regarded by the legislature as evidence of the fact
that the measure is really of public interest, and not a merely selfish
effort on the part of druggists to create a monopoly for themselves.

CONCILIATING THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

If the passage of a pharmacy bill through the general assembly
is to be free from hard knocks the influence of the medical profes-
sion must not be lost sight of. The members of the latter profession,
by virtue of their greater activity in politics, have proportionately a
much larger influence in moulding legislation than pharmacists, and
there is probably not a legislature in the United States which does
not contain from three or four to a dozen or more physicians. Out
of courtesy to the profession, these are generally all placed on the

Pharmacy Legislation.

{Am, Jour. Pharm.
I February, 1901.

" Committee on Medical Colleges and Associations," to which com-
mittee all bills in any way affecting the practice of medicine, dentis-
try or pharmacy are usually referred. If this committee reports
unanimously, or by a good majority, in favor of a pharmacy bill, it,
is properly regarded as a very favorable beginning, while if it reports
adversely, the bill has a very small chance of ever appearing on the
statute books.

This fact is argument enough for the conciliation of the medical
members of the general assembly, and of their professional brethren
outside, and is also a good reason why those visionary members ot
the pharmaceutical craft who are always anxious to insert in the
pharmacy law some clause to prevent the dispensing of medicines
by physicians, except in emergency, and to leave the druggist the
judge of the emergency, should be promptly headed off. When a
bill of this character makes its appearance in the committee room it
very properly goes into the bottom drawer of the chairman's desk
and stays there until the end of the session, or if it gets back from
the committee room, is usually in such a mutilated condition that
its framers have to look the second time to recognize it.

On the other hand, if the pharmacy bill leaves the business of the
physician strictly alone, the medical committee is usually inclined
to be friendly, and this friendliness can frequently be increased by
promising the support of the pharmaceutical interest to any medical
bills which may be pending.

THE USE OF MONEY IN THE LEGISLATURE.

According to popular repute a liberal use of money among the
members of the general assembly is almost indispensable to success
with any measure; but this is certainly a base and unjust slander
upon a very honorable class of men. There is not a general assem-
bly in the United States the majority of whose members are not
trustworthy, patriotic citizens, earnestly desirous of enacting such
measures as will be of benefit to the State. If they sometimes fail
it is because they have misjudged the character of a measure and
not because of corrupt principles. Doubtless there are members in
every legislature who are ready to solicit and accept bribes for their
votes and influence, but such men are in the minority.

In the writer's opinion, the corrupt use of money in the legisla-
ture is not only wholly unnecessary, but harmful. The men who will

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
February, 1901. /

Pharmacy Legislation.

accept it are generally well understood by their fellow-members,
and the honesty of a bill is at once open to suspicion when such
men become active in its support. They really possess very little
influence beyond the partners with whom they work. No greater
mistake can be made by the promoters of a bill than to secure the
championship of these men. If they are willing to vote for the bill,
well and good, but their active support should not be solicited, as it
is more likely to injure than to benefit. If any attempt is made to
extort money it should be met by the statement that the committee,
is without funds for this purpose. If one such demand is complied
with, the recipient passes the word along to his brother pirates, and
then each one will demand a share of the blood money, while if the
impression is given out from the start that, the committee has no
money to spend, they will be spared the annoyance of having to
refuse corrupt solicitations.

SUBSIDIZING THE NEWSPAPERS.

Another place where money is frequently demanded is by the
newspapers. In nearly every capital city there are one or more
newspapers which directly or indirectly solicit money in exchange
lor their support of bills before the legislature, and some of them
will threaten opposition if their demands are not complied with.
While this practice is little better than blackmail, it is usually justi-
fied by the journals on the ground that the writing up of a measure
occasions extra expense and that it is no more than fair that the
advocates of the measure should bear some of the cost. As a rule
it is not advisable to pay newspapers for their support, though
there may be occasions where such a course would be justified by
necessity, as when some other organ has come out in opposition
and by misrepresentation or misstatement of facts is liable to create
a wrong impression with the public. On the whole, unless the sub-
ject is first brought into the public prints by the opposition, a news-
paper discussion had better be avoided, as it may and generally
does arouse antagonism without materially adding to the strength of
the measure before the legislature.

THE LEGITIMATE USE OF MONEY.

While we have deprecated the use of money in the legislature
or for subsidizing the press, there is, nevertheless, a legitimate place

Phar macy L egis I a tion .

(Am. Jour. Pharaj.
I February, 1901.

for its use, since it is only under exceptional circumstances that a
pharmacy bill can be passed without liberal expenditures lor post-
age, circulars, attorney fees, typewriting, and the travelling and
other expenses of the committee on legislation. The right sort of
a committee is not liable to make any unnecessary expenditures,
and should therefore be its own judge of what expenses are neces-
sary. Its members must necessarily devote a large amount of time
and effort to the work of the bill, and should not be expected to
meet their own travelling and hotel bills, nor be hampered by lack
of funds for correspondence and printing. After paying all of these
the association will still be deeply in the debt of the committee for
its sacrifice of time, patience and energy in behalf of a matter in
which the whole profession is interested.

DANGER OF OVERCONFIDENCE.

A danger to be specially guarded against is overconfidence on
the part of the committee. It will frequently happen that the
opposition is so well concealed that it may appear as if the bill
would pass by a nearly unanimous vote, but if the committee per-
mits itself to be influenced by these appearances the chances are
that it will awaken some morning and find that some sharp old
campaigner has put the bill into a corner whence it cannot be
extricated during the remainder of the session. The only safety
lies in unremitting vigilance until the law is upon the statute books.
Bills have failed, even after passing both branches of the legisla-
ture, because of a failure of the proper officers to sign the record.

RECAPITULATION.

In the foregoing the writer has endeavored to give a homely and
matter-of-fact statement of his opinion as to the best method of
procuring the needed reforms in pharmacy legislation, which opinion
is based upon actual experience in the advocacy of measures before
committees of the general assembly.

The conclusions to which we have arrived may be recapitulated as
follows :

The movement for pharmacy legislation should be made by the
State pharmaceutical association, since this is the organization best
calculated to reach and influence the druggists in all portions of the
State, and is the one whose endorsement is most effective with the
legislature.

Am. Jour. Pharm.l
February, 1901. J

Pharmacy Legislation.

The campaign should be begun by a special meeting of the asso-
ciation for the purpose of thoroughly discussing a draft of the pro-
posed law, and unifying opinion upon its sections, electing the
special committee which is to look after its interests, and to provide
funds for necessary expenses.

The bill should be along the lines suggested by the A. Ph. A.
model, should be finally pronounced upon and put in shape by a
competent attorney, and should not seek to secure special privileges
to the pharmacist in opposition to the general public or to the rights
of the physician.

The draft should be put in the shape in which it can reasonably
be expected to pass before it is introduced into the general assembly.
Those who have extreme measures to advocate should be compelled
to withhold them until the principal part of the law is enacted^ and
then bring them in as new bills.

The special advocacy of the bill before the general assembly
should be in the hands of a committee on legislation, the members
of which should be specially selected because of their fitness for the
work.

The bill should be introduced by a strong member of a strong
delegation, because of the vote-getting influence of such delega-
tions.

The existence of the bill and the arguments in its favor should
be brought to the attention of the members of the legislature indi-
vidually by the committee on legislation.

All the pharmaceutical colleges and local pharmaceutical associa-
tions should meet and adopt special resolutions in favor of the bill,
which should be communicated to the legislative delegations from
their respective districts.

As many as possible of the influential druggists in different parts
of the State should be induced to write their senator or representa-
tive endorsing the measure.

If any demand is made for money in exchange for legislative
influence the committee should reply that the measure is for the
public good, and that no funds are available for such expenditures.

Newspaper discussion of the bill should not be encouraged,
unless the bill is first attacked through the public prints, when a
suitable reply should be made.

The committee should not permit itself to become overconfident

Adulterations in Drugs.

i Am. Jour. Pharm.
1 February, 1901.

as to success, and should never relax its efforts until the bill has re-
ceived the signatures of the officers of the last house through which
it passed.

When a pharmacist produces a new formula he must expect the
question, "What evidence have you that your formula will work ?"
and the same question may properly be asked concerning the plan
proposed by the present paper. The answer is that it has had a
practical trial and has been eminently successful. For years the
pharmacists of Ohio tried in the usual desultory fashion to procure
an amendment of their pharmacy law, meeting with worse defeat
at each succeeding session of the legislature. Three years ago a
new attempt was made. The program which has just been out-
lined was followed in detail, beginning with a special session of the
State Association to consider the draft of the proposed law, and
followed by constant and systematic work on the part of the com-
mittee on legislation. Not a cent of money was spent in the legis-
lature or with the newspapers, and although the measure was
more bitterly fought than any of its predecessors, it passed both
branches of the General Assembly without the change of so much
as a punctuation point.

From the experience gained in that and other contests, the writer
is convinced that, given a good draft of a law, a good committee
on legislation, and systematic work along the lines which have been
indicated, a pharmacy law can be passed in any State in the Union,
or at least that a failure to secure its enactment would be due to
extraordinary and very unusual conditions.

THE DETECTION OF ADULTERATIONS IN DRUGS BY
MEANS OF THE X-RAYS.

BY M. I. WlIvBERT.

It is well known that different substances are more or less opaque
to the X-rays. This opacity is apparently due to the difference in
the atomic weight of the elements entering into the composition of
the particular substance under observation. We consequently find
that materials having a low atomic weight offer little or no resis-
tance to these rays, while other articles, composed of elements of
high atomic weight, are nearly, if not entirely, opaque.

If we take, for example, equal parts by weight of lithium, sodium,

Am. Jour. Pharrn.\
February, 1901. J

Adulterations in Drugs.

calcium, iron, lead and bismuth carbonates, we will find that the
first two are quite easily penetrated by these rays, the second two
offer rather more resistance, while the last two are comparatively
opaque. This bears out the statement made above that the trans-
parency of a substance is closely related to its atomic weight and
density.

Vegetable substances, being composed chiefly of oxygen, carbon
and hydrogen, with little or no earthy materials, or elements hav-
ing a high atomic weight, would of course offer little or no resis-
tance to the X-rays, consequently we have in these rays a ready
means of detecting the wilful or malicious admixture of the various
substances that would ordinarily be used as adulterants, such as
clay, sand or gravel.

This proposition, to use the X-rays as a means of detecting adul-
terations of this kind, is not by any means original. Numerous sug-
gestions have been made from time to time, and quite a number of
articles have appeared, especially in France, detailing or describing
the use of these rays for detecting adulterations in different drugs
and foodstuffs.

The class of drugs that are especially adapted to this examina-
tion by means of the X-rays are those that are not so well adapted
for examination by means of the microscope, or whose macroscopical
appearance does not give much indication of their composition,
namely, such drugs as have no organized cellular structure, like the
inspissated juices, gums and resins. Drugs belonging to this class
usually occur in irregular masses, and very often offer considerable
difficulty to the estimation of their quality.

As an illustration, we may call your attention to opium. Many
and various are the substances that have been found in this drug,
small stones and leaden bullets being the favorite articles • used to
give additional weight to this well-known drug. As another illus-
tration we may mention asafcetida. This drug, as it occurs in this
market, is always more or less adulterated with sand or clay, so
much so that it is almost impossible to obtain a supply of the drug
that will meet the requirements of the Pharmacopoeia. An exam-
ination of some of the specimens in the College collection would
indicate that this admixture of absorbent clay or sand to asafcetida
has been practiced for a very long time, as all of the specimens ex-
amined were evidently adulterated in the same way. One especially,

Adulterations in Drttps.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
I February, 1901.

a sample of so-called stony asafoetida, was found to consist almost
entirely of solid stone, with a small quantity of gum adhering to it.

The required technique is simplicity itself. Having the necessary
apparatus, all that is required is to look at the interference
offered by the earthy materials as indicated on a fluorescent screen,
or, if we should desire a permanent record of the examination, we
simply replace the fluorescent screen with a photographic plate
and give an exposure of from ten to twenty seconds. Subsequent
development will show us at once whether or not any appreciable
amount of foreign matter is present. By making a comparative ex-
posure of a drug of known quality, we can estimate, roughly of
course, the amount of adulteration, and at least say definitely
whether or not it is better or worse than the sample, the com-
position of which is known. Among the drugs that have been
examined for foreign matter we have found that gum-arabic, gum-
senegal and manna are comparatively free from admixtures of
inorganic materials. Asafoetida, as mentioned above, is constantly
and grossly adulterated. Myrrh is another drug that has a more
or less constant admixture of adulterating materials, not necessarily
clay or sand, however, as one sample of Turkey myrrh, from the
College collection, was found to be a piece of bark coated on the
outside with myrrh. Of the three specimens of guaiac that were
examined, one was a specimen of purified guaiac from the College
collection. This seems to be free from inorganic matter. The
other two specimens have a slight amount of foreign material mixed
with the resin.

Several specimens of benzoin were examined ; of these, one had
small masses of yellow clay mixed with the drug, and another con-
sisted largely of bark and chips of wood.

The commercial samples of aloes that were examined were all
free lrom sand and dirt. Several old specimens, obtained from Pro-
fessor Kraemer, were grossly adulterated. One specimen labelled
Socotrine aloes was a flat cake and consisted largely of sand or clay
that had been mixed with the melted gum. Another sample
labelled caballine aloes also contained a large amount of inorganic
material.

Scammony, galbanum and gamboge all seem to contain a small
amount of foreign material mixed with the natural exudation of the
respective plants.

AFebJ™VPi9aor^•} Remington Pharmaceutical Stills. 81

In addition to their use in this connection, the X-rays would seem
to offer an interesting field for application in the examination of
coal, asphalt and other hydrocarbon compounds that have a more
or less constant admixture of siliceous or earthy materials. In the
case of these compounds they not only indicate the amount of ad-
mixture, but also give us considerable information as to the nature
of the admixture and the exact location of the same.

IMPROVEMENTS IN THE REMINGTON PHARMACEU-
TICAL STILLS.

By J. Pkrcy Remington, B.S.

Pharmaceutical stills have been in use for many years, some have
had a short life, others have answered well the requirements of their
time, and have then been superseded by those of more modern
construction whose merits were at once recognized.

The still which is the subject of this paper was first devised by
Professor Joseph P. Remington in 1872 and subsequently improved
and developed as described in the American Journal of Pharmacy,
1878, page 15, and 1879, page 225. These stills have had a large
use and are to be found in many parts of the world. It was with a
view of introducing some further improvements that the writer took
the subject up, and now ventures to present the still with the latest
improvements.

The important factors in the construction of the still are that the
vessel which holds the water to be distilled should present a large
heating surface to the flame, that the passage from the still to the
condenser should be small and direct so as to prevent any condensa-
tion at that point, and that the condenser should offer as large a
cold surface to the vapor, on entering, as possible. The material of
which it is composed, its strength and durability of construction,
the ease with which it may be taken apart and cleaned are also im-
portant considerations.

The idea of reversing the principle of the tubular boiler and apply-
ing it to distillation as seen in the Remington condenser was a
happy one. In a tubular boiler the flame circulates around the
numerous tubes and evaporates the water. In this condenser the
water circulates around the tubes and condenses the steam; thus the
old block tin worm, which was very difficult to clean, has been

82 Remington Pharmaceutical Stills. {A§vg}fi&£i5fiL'

superseded by a condenser which may be thoroughly washed out
by running a swab through the seven short tubes.

The fact which has often been overlooked in considering the
condensation of vapors is that a tube, either straight or spiral, 10
leet long and of y2 inch inside diameter, has not the same con-
densing power as ten tubes, I foot long and y2 inch inside diameter,
although both have the same extent of surface. That containing
the ten tubes would present an inlet for the vapor ten times as

Improved Remington Still.

large as that containing the one tube and would thus allow the
vapor to pass into and condense in the tubes that much faster. In
the ten short tubes the vapor is cooled suddenly by exposure to a
large cold area.

Another important point which must not be overlooked is that
the two methods of distillation, by the alembic form and the retort
form, are radically different in principle. In the alembic the con-
densation takes place in the inside surface of the head, in the retort

AFebr°u^yT59aoim'} Memorials to American Pharmacists. 83

form all condensation should take place in the condenser and none
whatever in the head, therefore the head should be small and near
enough to the source of heat to get warm and thus prevent the
loss due to distilled liquid dropping back into the still body. By
having the outlet for the vapors at the side the condensation in the
top of the Remington still is almost completely obviated.

These stills have been used for nearly twenty-eight years, and so
far very little chance for improvement has been discovered. In
the improved still, which is here presented, a tight joint between
the still top and body is made by tightening up the thumbscrews,
which are hinged to the still body. When the still is to be put
away, the unscrewing of these bolts quickly effects separation.

As the condenser, when in use and full of water, is rather heavy,
it was found advisable to encircle it with a clamp, which is capable
of being adjusted and can be made secure at any point.

These are the only improvements that have been made in this
still since it was first used. The rapidity of action of this still
seems remarkable and only serves to prove the principles upon
which it is built to be correct. It will distil two gallons of diluted
alcohol per hour, or one gallon of water per hour, using the heat of
an ordinary gas stove. It is made of tinned copper throughout, so
that there is no danger of rusting, and durability is secured.

By means of the self-feeding attachment it can be run continu-
ously, simply requiring to be looked at occasionally to see that the
liquid is not getting too low.

MEMORIALS TO AMERICAN PHARMACISTS.1
By Dr. Fr. Hoffmann.

It has been proposed to take some appropriate action in com-
memoration of the semi-centennial anniversary of the American
Pharmaceutical Association at the occasion of its fiftieth annual
meeting to be held in Pniladelphia in 1902. Among the several
practical suggestions, there is, in the first place, the very proper one
uf having elaborated and published an historical sketch of the asso-
ciation, or perhaps, better, of American pharmacy and the rise and

1 This communication, having been originally received by Albert E. Ebert,
Chicago, from Dr. Hoffmann, is here presented by permission of the former.

84 Memorials to American Pharmacists. {^ebKSy^iSS^

progress of the association, including biographical notes and por-
traits of the principal pioneers and representatives of American
pharmacy during the nineteenth century. Provided that the right
man can be found to compile a worthy literary monument of this
kind, such a work would be an appropriate, useful and enduring
contribution to the literature of American pharmacy and a worthy
credit to the association.

Precedents of this kind, although less comprehensive and speci-
fied, are the similar memoirs: " Historical Sketch of the Progress
of Pharmacy in Great Britain," compiled by Jacob Bell and Theo-
philus Redwood, published by the Pharmaceutical Society of Great
Britain at the occasion of the Fifth International Pharmaceutical
Congress, held in London in 1 88 1 ; "Festschrift zur Erinnerung an
die 25 jahrige Stiftungsfeier des Schweizerischen Apotheker Vereins
am 16 und 17 August, 1893;" and u Festschrift des Deutschen
Apotheker Vereins zur Feier der 25 ten Jahresversammlung, 1896."

The establishment of scholarships and fellowships has also been
proposed. Such endowments, however, can be of real use and
benefit in a country of so vast an extent and population only if they
are based upon very considerable funds, else their usefulness will be
too slight and limited to far too small a number of recipients.

Another proposition seems to have been the erection of some
public monument in memory of one or more of the foremost pio-
neers of American pharmacy. Well-founded doubts, however, may
be raised whether pharmacy and its past and present position
among the professions and the modern factors of intellectual culture
and technical and industrial progress entitles its representatives to
be ranked among the great master minds of the exact and applied
sciences and arts, as well as the glorious political and military
heroes whose monuments adorn the historical arenas and cities of
both the old and the new world. In cases where gifted men risen
from the ranks of pharmacy, such as Scheele, Liebig and others, have
been honored by posterity with public monuments, this has been
done in recognition of their scientific discoveries or special accom-
plishments only. Whether the recently erected monument of Pel-
letier and Caventou reflects exclusively on their scientific merits or
not less on national pride also, may be a matter of doubt.

When monuments to American pharmacists are to be erected,
they may more properly be placed in some museum or public hall

Arebr°uarrv>i9oim'} Memorials to American Pharmacists. 85

at the centres of education and erudition than on public squares or
in parks. A proper Walhalla for the monuments of American
pharmaceutical celebrities would be the hall of the pioneer school
of American pharmacy, the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and
the busts of Procter and Squibb might be among the foremost ones
to be erected.

One of the most appropriate, useful and creditable memorials,
however, may be the institution of a prize medal to be granted by
the American Pharmaceutical Association in recognition of superior
discoveries or literary accomplishments in the domains of theoreti-
cal and applied pharmaceutical sciences and arts. By bearing the
impress and names of eminent and distinguished men and per-
petuating their memory, this form of commemoration has been in
use since antiquity. More modern memorial medals of this kind
are, among others, the Copley, Rumford, Davy, H anbury} Fliicki-
ger2 and Pasteur* medals, while others have been made for once
only at special occasions in memory of eminent scientists and instruc-
tors, as for instance the memorial medals of TrommsdorfP and
Scheele.5

xThe H anbury medal was instituted by voluntary contributions in 1879 in
memory of the distinguished British pharmacognosy Daniel Hanbury, who
died in 1875. Copies of the medal in gold are granted every three years for
eminent services or discoveries in the domain of pharmacognosy. The grant
is made by the Presidents of the Iyinnean Society, the Pharmaceutical Society
and the Pharmaceutical Conference of Great Britain.

2 The Fliickiger medal was established in 1893 in honor of the distinguished
Swiss pharmacognost, Fr. A. Fliickiger, at the occasion of his retirement from
the professorship at the University of Strassburg. It i,« granted for special
merits in the domains of pharmaceutical and cognate sciences and arts.

3 The Pasteur medal has recently been instituted as a premium for eminent
work in bacteriological research.

4 The Trommsdorjf medal has been coined for once only at the occasion of
the fiftieth anniversary of the entrance into pharmacy of the famous pharma-
ceutical educator, Joh. Barthalom. Trommsdorff, in Erfurt. The medal is of
bronze, showing on the front a relief bust of Trommsdorff and on the reverse
a symbolic figure of Prometheus and of two youths, representing chemistry and
pharmacy, with this inscription : "Pax divina coquit succos morbisque mede-
tur."— " Tessara amicorum, 1834."

5 The Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences had a memorial medal coined in
1790 in memory of its member Scheele ; it showed a relief portrait of Scheele
and on the reverse a symbolic representation of the discovery of oxygen, and
had this inscription : " Ingenio stat sine morte decus." — "Socio prematura
morte erepto Regia Academia Scientiarum Stockholmiensis."

A Procter Memorial.

j Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ February, 1801.

The suggestion of establishing a Procter- Squibb memorial prize
medal at the occasion of the semi-centennial anniversary of the
American Pharmaceutical Association, therefore, may be worthy of
consideration. Such a medal may bear on one side the relief por-
traits of Procter and Squibb and their names and dates of birth and
death, and on the other the emblem of the association and a pro-
per device. Both contemporaries, united in close friendship and
fellowship, have been typical and eminent representatives in their
special domains of application, of the prime and ideal aims and
aspirations of the earlier stages of American pharmacy and the
American Pharmaceutical Association. Their joint memory, there-
fore, may be properly linked with the fortunes and the fame of the
time-honored representative association of American pharmacy.

The question may be left open whether such a prize medal may
be conferred at stated intervals, or at any of the annual meetings of
the association, and whether its bestowal shall be confined to
Americans only.

Berlin, December 8, 1900.

A PROCTER MEMORIAL.
By Wilbur L> Scovm,E.
I have been invited to offer my views as to what may best serve
as a memorial to Professor Procter. It is a subject which requires
much thought, for it involves the dove-tailing of two factors. A
suitable memorial is, to my mind, something which will of itself
recall the man whom it memorizes, and which will appeal to those
whom it aims to attract. It should not only recall or stand for
the man, but it should represent his character and ideals in as at-
tractive a manner as possible, so that his endeavors may receive in

On the occasion of an academic anniversary in 1827 another medal was
coined by the academy, showing on the front Scheele's bust and on the reverse
a veiled figure of Isis, whose veil Hermes tries to disclose.

When a monument was erected at the occasion of the one hundred and
fiftieth anniversary of Scheele's birth in 1892, the Swedish Apothecaries'
Society had an aluminum medal made showing on one side a relief bust of
the Scheele Monument, with this inscription: "Carolo Guilmo Scheele,
pharmaceutae chemico grati cultores Ordo pharmaceutia Suecia." The reverse
shows a relief picture of Scheele's house in Koeping and the inscription :
" Domestici parietes ipsum non famam continuerunt."

^etouarVT?^'} A Procter Memorial. 87

it a fresh and continuous impulse along the lines which he strove to
uphold.

It is difficult to present an ideal in a way which will command at-
tention. We do not have time to indulge much in sentiments in
these days, and it is only the most vigorous and compelling en-
deavors that succeed in stirring up a true sentiment.

We are intensely utilitarian. The David Harum style of senti-
ment is the popular style to-day. An apple maybe rotten through-
out, but so it be gilded it is sought after. And so even the sound
apple must be "gilded, or it is disregarded. It's the gilding that
counts and is wanted. It will not do to forget that. But how to
honor the ideal and still be utilitarian is the problem. It is not a
worthy memorial to gild an unworthy remembrance.

Sometimes it is wise to carry a thought or a tendency to an ex-
treme in order to defeat it. There is sure to be a reaction. If we
can put a utilitarian gilding on everything, the thoughtful ones will
turn their attention to what is underneath, after a time. And so a
memorial which best accedes to the demand lor the serviceable now
may in the end prove the best stimulus toward a worthy and hon-
orable ideal.

•Jfr * * * -x- % *

One of the greatest needs in pharmacy to-day is an established
and authoritative research laboratory. I do not mean one which
will delve in chemical relationships, reactions and syntheses. That
is foundation work, all-important and creditable, but it is being done
by the university investigators, and we can afford to leave it to
them. But not all men are able to build soundly on a sound foun-
dation. Not all can see the relationships of the seemingly abstract
to the practical. There is room for a large work in the purely
pharmaceutical applications of chemical facts. The pharmacists
who most strongly feel the need of a sounder superstructure are
not in a position to know and keep up with the increase in funda-
mental facts. The few who are enabled to keep in touch with the
more scientific progress lack a stimulus and oftentimes an opportu-
nity to connect them with the common needs of to-day. There is
a field for the bridging of the need and the foundation' fact. A
laboratory in which the everyday problems of pharmacy would be
worked out by competent minds and hands additional to what the

Correspondence.

< Am. Jour. Pharm
\ February, 1901.

Committee ol Revision of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia is doing would
meet a want.

-* * * * * . * * *

It is the custom of our larger universities to honor the memory
of their scientists by naming a laboratory after them. All of our
leading universities thus have one or more chemical laboratories
named after one who has proved his love lor chemical science by
either making his influence felt in that line by his own attainments,
or by buying an influence with an endowment. I do not know of
any pharmaceutical laboratory thus honoring or honored. A Proc-
ter laboratory seems to me as fitting and influential a memorial as
anything that could be bestowed.

By this I do not mean simply a room or building equipped and
stocked and with Professor Procter's name over its doors.

The real memorial would consist in the spirit and policy within
the laboratory. It should have a definite policy, with provision for
carrying that policy out. And all investigations should be pub-
lished as contributions from the Procter Laboratory, wherein the
real memorial would appear. It would be not a local but a national
memorial.

Whether the investigations should be carried on by post-gradu-
ate students through scholarships or by a director and assistants is
a matter of detail ; but a continuation of the work and aims of
Professor Procter in this way would, it seems to me, be a fitting
memorial.

Boston, Mass., January 3, 1901 .

CORRESPONDENCE.

PROCTER MEMORIAL.

In response to a letter from the Editor of this Journal concern-
ing the most appropriate way of memorializing the life and work of
Prof. William Procter, Jr., the following are some of the replies
which have been received :

Dear Sir: — In no other way than by appropriate memorials can
those who live and heir the good works of those who have gone
honor their names and testify to the appreciation of their worth.

And in this direction we who live to heir the works of the phar-
macists who served us loyally and well can do no greater tribute
than to testify to the works of Professor Procter. No more patient,

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
February, 1901. J

Correspondence.

self-sacrificing, modest name appears on our records. In a neat
memorial to him we will honor ourselves and credit our calling.
Let it be neatly, artistically and well done.

John Uri Lloyd.

Dear Sir : — Yours of December 18th was duly received. On the
subject of a memorial to Prof. Wm. Procter, Jr., I am afraid I have
nothing new to add to your able editorial in the November number
of the American Journal of Pharmacy. You bring out very clearly
the comparative value of the different forms which such a memorial
might take.

My individual opinion would be in favor of No. 2, a scholarship
or a fellowship. I should like to see the American Pharmaceutical
Association take hold of the matter. The honor would be reflected
upon itself. While his working field was Philadelphia, his memory
is a priceless one to American pharmacy.

It is not too early to canvass the matter, for we should be ready
at the next annual meeting to give it specific form.

J. M. Good.

Dear Sir:— -As a memorial to the life and work of Professor Proc-
ter it seems to me that the endowment of a Fellowship for graduate
work in pharmacy would be of the greatest benefit to the interests
for which he labored and of largest advantage to the pharmacists of
the United States. If such a memorial should be placed in charge
of the American Pharmaceutical Association it would be in all
respects a national benefaction.

Albert B. Prescott.

Dear Sir: — I am in receipt of your favor of the 1 5th inst., referring
to a memorial to Professor Procter.

I would suggest a scholarship as a suitable form of memorial.
When the matter is in more definite shape, we shall be pleased to
have you call upon us for a contribution.

S. W. Fairchild.

Dear Sir: — I do not know what has been talked about in refer-
ence to the memorial to Professor Procter, but in view of the proba-
bility that a scholarship or any other form which would be centered
in or connected with the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy would
tend to sectionalize and narrow the scope of the movement, I think
a bronze monument erected in a park or square in Philadelphia
might be the most practical.

Correspondence.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
1 February, 1901.

For myself, I would like to have the memorial a part of the Col-
lege in some way, but there are many pharmacists who think the
whole country has a claim on the " Father of Pharmacy " and who
would be more willing to contribute to its success as a public under-
taking.

You may put me down as one who will gladly do his share in a
private capacity.

Horatio N. Fraser.

Dear Sir: — The proposal to memorialize the life and work of Wil-
liam Procter, Jr., meets with my hearty approval. That this should
be a feature of the fiftieth anniversary of the American Pharmaceu-
tical Association is also most appropriate. The form of memorial
is-not so easy to determine.

(1) My first preference would be for a bronze statue. More than
anything else I know, it memorializes the man. Continually and per-
petually it says, " Ecce Homo !" All kinds of people see it — children,
youths, men, women; pharmacists, present and prospective; la-
borers, artisans, small traders, merchants and professional men ; the
rich and the poor; the heedless and the thoughtful. To all it says :
" Behold a man who elevated his calling: go you and do likewise."

(2) My next preference would be for a fellowship. This should
be granted each year to a graduate lor the purpose of providing
him the means to prosecute or continue research in some pharma-
ceutical subject. I can imagine some jealousies that might interfere
with the raising of the necessary funds for this project, which all
pharmacists would be asked to participate in, and there might be
friction at times over the bestowal of the honor. If all trouble on
these grounds could be avoided, this scheme would serve to revive
the memory of the man whose name it would bear in a more pointed
way than the other plan.

Other methods of memorializing Professor Procter have suggested
themselves to my mind, but these seem the most appropriate and
feasible.

W. M. Searby.

Dear Sir: — Replying to yours of December 15th, I would say,
let the memorial be something permanent — as a bust, a crayon
oortrait, an oil painting — something that will be at once an
object lesson to those who shall see it and show to them that the

A*SS5£3ff'} Cwttspondence. 91

American Pharmaceutical Association appreciates the good work
done for pharmacy by Prof. William Procter.

S. A. D. Sheppard.

Dear Sir: — Your question pertains to a subject to which I have
devoted but little thought, so that I scarcely know what my own
opinion would be. In a general way I think the best means of hon-
oring a man is to provide for a continuation of the work in which he
was most interested. Two ways of doing this readily suggest them-
selves :

One is to provide a scholarship which shall involve research in
the particular subject, and another to provide for an annual medal
or money reward for meritorious work in the same line.

As between the two, I hardly know which I would prefer. The
scholarship would probably be most productive in results, while the
annual conferring of a medal would probably awaken a wider inter-
est in the work of the person in whose name the medal was be-
stowed,

I am sure the services of Professor Procter merit some substantial
memorial, and I trust you may be successful in your efforts in that
behalf. J. H. Beal.

Dear Sir : — In reply to your letter, I will say that in my opinion
Professor Procter was the father of American pharmacy. I say
American, for in many ways the practice of the art of pharmacy in
this country is far in advance of Europe, while willing to admit the
great success of the Germans in chemistry, and the dainty skill of
the French ; but this is wandering.

Professor Procter, while a modest citizen of Philadelphia, never-
theless was a true American, and a tribute to his memory should be
something that will last. I know his writings will last and be
quoted from for many generations to come. But in my mind there
should be a bronze statue, life-size, erected if possible in the Con-
gressional Library building in Washington City. It being a fire-
proof building, it might be considered a lasting tribute.

Yours truly,

Geo. W. Sloan.

Dear Sir: — Your November editorial on the Procter memorial,
as well as your letter of recent date, has been carefully read and all
phases of the question have been given thoughtful consideration.

92 Correspondence.

Am. Jour. Pbarm.
Februarv, 1901.

A memorial in enduring bronze would be handsome, but would
exert influence only in one community. A travelling fellowship
would, of necessity, be of influence to individuals, for no matter how
great a work would be ultimately performed by the fortunate recip-
ients of the fellowship, the main object of the memorial — the tribute
to the memory of the greatest of American pharmacists— would be
obscure to public mind.

Far better would it be to conform the memorial to the ideas ex-
pressed by the A.Ph. A. Committee on U.S. P. Revision at the Balti-
more meeting of 1898. Could we not erect a research laboratory
for Pharmacopceial work, say, in the city of Washington, dedicated
to the memory of our great pharmaceutical mentor ?

An expensive undertaking, I grant you, but would it not be better
to devote a large sum to a grand memorial than a smaller sum to
an object of limited influence ?

To establish a fellowship at the low rate of interest now prevail-
ing, at least $15,000 would be needed. Why not double this
amount and purchase and equip a building to be called the Procter
Memorial Laboratory, which would be an object of as much local
pride as would a bronze statue and an ever-present memorial of the
great man to every pharmacist and physician in this broad land of
ours? Let the running expenses be defrayed by the U.S.P. Com-
mittee on Revision, supplemented by the donation of time — say a
month each year — by leading investigators of this country, many
of whom I am very sure would be willing to perform such service.

Think what a glorious object-lesson in pharmaceutical progress
such a memorial would be, especially if it could be operated in con-
junction with the Lloyd Library. Such a combination would make
America the centre of pharmaceutical thought.

H. V. Arny.

Dear Sir: — In regard to commemorating the life and work of
Professor Procter I am inclined to favor the monumental form.

A monument erected to perpetuate the memory of him who has
unselfishly labored for the benefit of his fellow-man, whose life has
been devoted to instructing the ignorant, in aiding the weak, in re-
calling the erring and in raising the fallen, is an inspiration for good
to all who look upon it.

The tendency, however, is to erect monuments to keep alive the
memory of man's passions. War is passion, not reason. To

Am. Jour. Pharru, i
February , 1901. J

Correspondence.

exalt the conqueror and to remind the vanquished is an exhibition
of pride and vanity, coupled with cruelty, teaching no useful les-
son, and serving no generous purpose.

Let us erect a monument to Professor Procter. To provide funds
for the accomplishment of this purpose, contribution could be
secured through the sale of a bronze medal fac-simile of the design
of the monument on one side, a profile of the professor on the
obverse.

The admirable biographical sketch of Professor Procter prepared
by Professor Remington and read before the Richmond meeting of
the A.Ph.A. ought to be in the hands of every pharmacist in the
country. The above suggestion, if carried out, would excite more
general interest and popularize the project.

J. F. Patton.

Warburg's tincture.
To the Editor of the American Journal of Pharmacy.

Sir: — I notice in your December issue an article by Mr. F. A.
Sieker on Warburg's Tincture. May I be allowed to point out that
both his formula and that of the National Formulary are defective
in that they do not contain, or make any mention of, one constitu-
ent, which was in the formula published by Professor Maclean on
behalf of Dr. Warburg in the Lancet, Vol. II, 1875, p. 716, and cop-
ied into the Pharmaceutical Journal, November 20, 1875, P- 4T9>
that is, "Confectio Damocratis ?" There should be the same quantity
of this added as of rhubarb. Democrates' Confection is an obsolete
preparation, which in the London Pharmacopoeia, 1746, contained
forty-two ingredients, including the " bellies of scinks," etc. It is the
old Mithridate, and is represented by Confectio Opii, B.P., 1885.
But in leaving this out, the opium — "Opii Colati" — which, it is true,
is only a small quantity, about one in 200 of the confection, has been
omitted also in the American publications. I have been in the habit
of adding four of the essential ingredients of this confection in mak-
ing my preparation. These are, in addition to opium, black pepper,
ginger and cinnamon. I append my working formula. There is
also half the quantity of prepared chalk that there is of rhubarb in
the original formula ; this is added to the ingredients, which are to
be pressed, and, I assume, strained before the addition of the quinine
sulphate, else it might decompose the salt, and interfere with the

Correspondence.

( Am. Jour. Pharm
i February, 1901.

solubility of the quinine alkaloid in the resultant tincture. Still, I
would add it, as there is a reason given for its presence in the for-
mula, that it corrects " the otherwise extremely acrid taste of the
tincture.''

I have seen bottles of the tincture, that were prepared under the
direction of the late Dr. Warburg, which were free from sediment,
and must necessarily have been filtered at last. Mr. Sieker says the
quantity of myrrh ordered in the National Formulary contains
" about thirteen times as much myrrh as the original ; " this is incor-
rect. The original formula, to which I have referred, did not con-
tain "electuary of myrrh," but "myrrh elect," that is, "picked myrrh."
The preparation, as used in England, I think is always prescribed
with the aloes. What its merits are due to besides quinine, I can-
not say, but I have known cases in which it produced a marvellous
effect, far beyond that of an equivalent dose of quinine. The dose
is i to 4 drachms, but in India it is given more heroically. There,
Professor Maclean says : " The tincture is administered in the fol-
lowing manner : ]/2 ounce (half of a bottle) is given alone without
dilution, after the bowels have been evacuated by any convenient
purgative, all drink being withheld ; in three hours the other half
of the bottle is administered in the same way. Soon afterwards,
particularly in hot climates, profuse, but seldom exhausting, perspi-
ration is produced ; this has a strong aromatic odor, which I have
often detected about the patient and his room on the following day.
With this there is a rapid decline of temperature, immediate abate-
ment of the frontal headache — in a word, complete defervescence,
and it seldom happens that a second bottle is required. If so, the
dose must be repeated as above. In very adynamic cases, if the
sweating threatens to prove exhausting, nourishment in the shape
of beef tea, with the addition of Liebig's extract, and some wine or
brandy of good quality may be required."

Dec. 17, 1900.

Yours obediently,

Wm. Martindale, F.L.S., F.C.S.

TINCTURA ANTI-PERIODIC A— WARBURG'S TINCTURE.

Grains

Socotrine aloes, bruised
Rhubarb, bruised . . .
Angelica fruit, bruised .
Elecampane root, bruised
Saffron

240
So
80
40
40

'ebrXy^9oim'} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 95

Grains.

Fennel, bruised 40

Prepared chalk 4°

Gentian, bruised ?o

Zedoary root, bruised 20

Cubebs, bruised • • • 20

Myrrh, elect and bruised 20

White agaric, powdered 20

Opium, in powder 2^

Black pepper, bruised 4

Cinnamon, bruised 8

Ginger, bruised 8

Proof spirit ( specific gravity 0*920) 1 pint (20 ounces) or q. s.

Macerate for seven days, press and strain.

Dissolve in the product :

Grains.

Quinine sulphate 175

Camphor 20

After three days filter and add sufficient proof spirit to make one pint.

Dose : 1 to 4 drachms. W. M.

RECENT LITERATURE RELATING TO PHARMACY.

SELENIFEROUS SULPHURIC ACID.

Most of the acid furnished the University of Nancy was found to
contain selenium, which is easily detected by warming on water-
bath five or six drops of the suspected acid with a trace of codeine,
when green-blue color is produced if selenium is present. —
Schlagdenhauffen and Page, J, Ph. et Ch., 1900, 261.

H. V. Arny.

VOLUMETRIC ALKALOID ESTIMATIONS.

O'Linde has published in Archiv der Pharmazie, 1900, 102 to
135, an elaborate paper on the subject which is worthy of transla-
tion in full, as its bibliography is strikingly complete. The original
work is chiefly devoted to the indicators in the alkalimetric estima-
tion and he places order of delicacy in aqueous solvent as follows :
Luteol, pernambuco-wood tincture, haematoxylin, logwood tincture,
tincture of cochineal, brasilin, azolitmin, tincture of litmus, phen-
acetolin, phenolphtalein, rosolic acid, lacmoid, etc. He finds the
delicacy is sometimes influenced by change in solvent and by other
factors, the conclusions being :

(1) That no more indicator should be employed than is abso-
lutely necessary.

(2) The quantity of liquid in which the alkaloid is dissolved
should be as small as possible.

g6 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. { AFebr0uarryPi™'

(3) The temperature of titration should not exceed that of the
atmosphere.

(4) The most favorable condition of solution for titration with
each of the several indicators is as follows :

Tincture of pernambuco-wood, tincture logwood, haematoxylin,
brasilin, azolitmin, tincture litmus, phenolphtalein and rosolic acid
with water alone, chloroform and ether to be particularly avoided
with last two ; fluorescein and gallein with water and ethereal layer
containing the alkaloids ; luteol in water or alcohol, chloroform and
ether being avoided. Tincture of curcuma and poirroir blue have
been suggested as indicators, but both are worthless. H. V. A.

ESTIMATION OF TOTAL SOLIDS IN URINE.

This estimation is difficult, for evaporation, even on water-bath,
causes decomposition of urea, and erroneous results in conse-
quence; and evaporation in vacuo is convenient only to expert
chemists; hence calculations based on the density of the urine have
been employed, the best known being the method of Haeser, who
multiplies the two figures representing hundredths and thousandths
of specific gravity by a constant coefficient 2-33, the product being
grammes of solids in a litre of urine. Thus, specific gravity 1-020
would show: 20 x 2-33 equals 46-6 grammes solids to litre.

J. Amann {Schw. WochscJi. f.Cli. und Ph., 1900, p. 141), on study
of the subject with an artificial urine of known strength, finds that
the coefficient is not constant ; that the line representing relation of
density is not straight, but a hyperbola. He therefore devised a
table which he claims is reliable ; unfortunately, however, based on
amount of total solids of invariable composition, viz.: Urea, 60
per cent.; salt, 36 per cent.; extractive (sugar), 4 per cent. Were
the proportion of inverted sugar greater than that above, different
results might be obtained, and likewise the presence of albumen
may affect result, hence extended work is highly desirable. Amann's
table in abbreviated form is as follows :

Specific gravity . roio 1*015 1-020 1-025 i'03o 1-035 1*040

Total solids, grammes in litre . 20-3 30'S 41-6 55-5 70*3 83-4 95*2

Lastly he gives an equation for estimation of total solids in urine of
any specific gravity, namely, total solids = 6-4 -f- 1-02 P -f 0037P2;
" P " representing difference between specific gravity of the urine
and that of water, expressed in units. H. V. A.

Am. Jour. Pharoi.'l
February, J901. J

Editorial.

EDITORIAL.

THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL OF THE A.PH.A.

There is a marked difference in the duration of the germinating
and life periods of different animals and plants, and the same may
be said of the projects and undertakings of men. Hardly was this
nation entailed in the conflict with Spain than rich men gave munifi-
cently to provide for the exigencies of war. The nation to a man
willingly contributed to the war taxes. Not always, however, do
appeals to men meet with such ready responses. This applies more
especially to appeals made for the establishment of memorials per-
petuating the lives and names of the learned and the great. The
merits of those who are truly distinguished appeal for the most part
to special classes, and it generally devolves upon a few who have
a particular regard and affection for them and their work to execute
the tasks in hand.

Last May the Huxley memorial statue Was unveiled in the Muse-
um of Natural History, South Kensington, London. It required over
four years (since November 27, 1895) f°r the committee to collect
£3,380 for this purpose. Almost all memorials which are of real,
lasting consequence require time for decision in regard to the most
fitting character of the memorial, and also for the devising of ways and
means for collecting funds for such purposes. Nearly two years have
elapsed since Albert E. Ebert suggested to the American Pharma-
ceutical Association (see Proc, 1899, p. 115) that something be
done by that Association to revive the memory of Professor Wil-
liam Procter, Jr. We believe that Mr. Ebert had put forth this
suggestion quietly for a number of years to various members of
the Association, and no doubt to almost all of the members it has
at first seemed as though the project were a great way off and that
at the proper time the right thing would be done.

At the semi-centennial of the Association something will no doubt
be done by the members that will be worthy of her history and
her influence in promoting the welfare of pharmacy and medicine.
It will be an unusual opportunity for stimulating the growth of the
Association and for extending her influence in the professions and
among the people. In order to facilitate the discussion of the
various aspects of this celebration at the next meeting of the Asso-
ciation, the Editor of this Journal has sought expressions of opin-

Reviews.

/Am. Jonr. Pharm.
I February, 1901.

ion from some of its leading members in regard to one phase of the
celebration, viz., the proposed memorial to Professor Procter, and
some of the letters received in reply will be found in another part of
this Journal. Of course there are many who feel a diffidence about
placing themselves on record in regard to this matter. It should be
said, however, in regard to all expressions of this kind, that every
one should feel that there is no inconsistency in changing one's
opinions after other expressions have been put forth, and no man need
feel that he is bound to adhere to what he has said on this subject
if he is satisfied that the project of another is more feasible and
more suitable. For, as Emerson says : " If you would be a man,
speak what you think to-day as hard as cannon balls, and to-mor-
row speak what to-morrow thinks in hard words again, though it
contradict everything you said to-day." It is the principle that
needs to be established first and this is what the replies of those who
have contributed in the correspondence referred to accentuate. In-
deed, not only is it shown that the Procter Memorial is desired, but
that it can be readily accomplished, as the letters of Samuel W.
Fairchild and Horatio N. Fraser indicate.

REVIEWS AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

Greshoff's Fishpoisons. Part II. Batavia: G. Kolf. 1900. Large
8vo, 253 pages.

It will be of interest to the readers of the announcement of the
first part of this valuable addition to phytochemical literature (which
appeared in the Bull, of Ph. and in Sc. Amer., 1894) to know that its
untiring author1 published recently (September, 1900) Part IL

It is a still more complete summary of reports on poisonous
plants than Part I was already. It gives a review of what is said
in half a dozen modern languages on fishpoisons strictiori sensa ;
is completed by incorporating plants containing more or less known
active principles ; interspersed with the author's own good opinion
and manifold experience in this field, adding some of his own analy-
ses, to sharpen our appetite for the luxurious intellectual food he
sets before us.

xY)r. M. Greshoff, of late attached to the Government Botanical Garden at
Buitenzorg, is at present chemical director of the Kolonial Museum, Harlem,
Holland.

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
February, 1901. J

Reviezvs.

It is somewhat after Dragendorff's " Heilpflanzen der verschie-
denen Volker und Zeiten," Stuttgart, Enke, 1898, while the owners
of Dr. Fred Hoffmann's list of popular names of household remedies,
chiefly of the vegetable kingdom ("Pharmac. Rundschau"), will find an
extension to that list in Greshoft's book.

The author is mindful of the fact that the use of fishpoisons is not
confined to such races as we are pleased to call savages, and
produces, to illustrate this, a Dutch newspaper article, dated Octo-
ber, 1898, wherein we are told that fishermen in our large rivers
are making such good use of a fishpoison to ply their trade as the
most lazy "black" could not improve upon. Heaps of dead fishes
sometimes of 50 kilogrammes bulk (weight), accumulate on the bor-
ders, killed by little pill (used as a lure) made from bread, powdered
seeds of Cocculus indicus and whiskey, of which bait the fishes are
very fond.

The whole book breathes a spirit of stirring individual research
such as emanated from " Die Pflanzenstoffe" of both Husemanns in
its time.

I noted an omission on page 20, which I might be allowed to
supply.

Baillon, " Histoire des Plantes," had stated the crushed leaves
of different Viola species exhale an odor of hydrocyanic acid. Dr.
Greshoff did not find HCN, but detected an odor of methyl sali-
cylate (the well-known popular wintergreen-oil odor). From a
special investigation on fresh plants in blossom, he concluded the
absence of free salicylic acid.

Turning to " Viola tricolor," Inaugural Diss., von Henry
Kraemer, aus Chicago (our editor !), we read that "Manderlin"
worked this problem out in Dragendorff's laboratory, in the year
1 88 1. Mandelin's process of isolating salicylic acid from Viola
tricolor (the whole plant) excludes^he said, the formation of sali-
cylic acid. It must be present, in the plant, free, uncombined. He
found it in the roots of other Viola species, too, in weighable quan-
tities— 0-14 per cent, in the plant above the earth, 0*05 per cent,
in the root. Those results have been verified by Griffith and Con-
rad (1884). There must be an enzyme present in the plant
which splits up a certain compound, since the methyl salicylate odor
is not to be mistaken, and agreed upon by all writers, exclud-
ing the wrong information from Baillon. The latest authority on

IOO

Revieivs.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ February, 1901.

"Ferments," Reynolds Green, Cambridge, 1899, is silent on Viola

and its methyl salicylate.

A few quotations may be made from Greshoff's book :

Anemone nemorosa, a violent poison when fresh ; harmless when

dry.

Clematis flammida, very poisonous, green ; dry, a good fodder.

Clematis caripensis, " blistering leaf."

Delphinium vestitum, " leaves poisonous to goats."

Anonaceez; very little is known and investigated about the poi-
sonous alkaloids from this family.

Corydalis racemosa ; a single leaf will kill a man.

Camellia Japonica., L., C. Sasangua, Thunb. The seeds are
poisonous.

Linum usitatissimum ; its glucoside yield HCN ; the wash- water in
flax-works is therefore poisonous to fishes.

Ruta graveolens, abortivum and anthelminticum.

Ilex aquifolium; two or three berries work as an emetic. Twenty
are fatal.

Sapindus cmarginatus. It seems very strange that bees, insects
possessing such a wonderful instinct, should drink the nectar of
these poisonous flowers and get killed in this way.

Centanrea scabiosa,
Carduus nutans,

Scabiosa succisa, all benumb bees.

Coriaria Nepalensis ; leaves act as a powerful poison; seeds pro-
duce symptoms like tetanus.

Cytisine determinations.* * * C. Laburnum; seed contains r8 per
cent. Ulex Europ. ; seed contains I per cent. Sophora secundi-
flora; seed contains 3-5 per cent. Sophora tomentosa, L.; seed
contains 21 per cent. Baptisia australis, R. Br.; seed contains r6
per cent.

Swains ona galegifolia, R. Br. One of the most dreaded plants
by stockowners. * * * Some Swainsoneas are excellent fodder
plants, while others produce (the) mysteriously fatal effects. Chemi-
cal analysis has failed to isolate a toxic principle. * * *

Pachyrizus tuberosus, Spr. The beans, when ripe, are poisonous.
The tubers, too, contain a poisonous " resin (?)." This resin is an
active fishpoison.

Am. Jour. Pharm.'l
February, 1901. J

Reviews.

IOI

Piscidia erythrina} "The Indians have a tree wherewith they
take their fish for their present use, being near their habitations
* * * and so they take as many as they please. This is a provi-
dence of God to those barbarous people, being a nature help for
present food and sustenance."

Leucozna giauca, B. Horses (and asses) lose the hair of their
manes and tails by eating the leaves. This fact is well known in
the Bermuda Islands. Reviewer assayed some time ago a small
quantity of the1 leaves, but did not detect any alkaloidal or gluco-
sidal active principle therein. I suppose the plant acts only when
M fresh."

Eucalyptus microtheca, used by the aborigines of Australia to
poison fish, by throwing fresh-cut boughs in the river. The Cucur-
bitas from the Canaries and East Indian Islands are often used
u in full sea" to intoxicate fish. " The whole yellow pumpkin is
poisonous." This reads queer to Americans, on whose table a
pumpkin pie is considered a delicacy. The pumpkin mentioned
here is an Abobora amarella. The Dutch terminology of Kalbas
and pumpkin is somewhat mixed ; but that is a fault of the lan-
guage, not of the author. * * * The seeds of most Cucurbitacese
contain some active principle, a tsenifugum, an emeticum, an abor-
tivum.

With the addition that Greshoff gives a few interesting items on
some remarkable cryptogames (Cumarine in Polypodium scandess,
Lindsaea cultrata and others ; an abortivum in Lycopodium Seleg.),
I leave further judgment of the book to the readers.

Leidz, Holland ; State University, J. B. Nagelvoort.

November 9, 1900.

Air, Water and Food from a Sanitary Standpoint. By Ellen
H. Richards and Alpheus G. Woodman, Instructors in Sanitary
Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 8vo. Cloth.
iv-226 pp. $2. New York : John Wiley & Sons.

The three essentials for human life are air, water and food. The
consideration of these essentials in their relation to the needs of
daily existence is the province of sanitary science, engineering and
municipal finance. The authors in the work before us have taken
up the consideration of the subject from the standpoint of the sani-

1 Compare "Proximate Analysis of the Bark of Piscidia, Er.," by H. Berbe-
rich. Amer. Jour, of Pharm., September, 1898, p. 425.

102

Reviews,

f Am. Jour. Pharru,
I February, 1901.

tary chemist, and it will do much to equip the chemist for his work
and to call his attention to the importance of the work not only
from an analytical standpoint, but further in directing the attention
of the students as well as the public before whom he may lecture
to chemical subjects. Every one ought to be familiar with the
facts of the sanitary science of air, water and food.

"The human body, in order to carry on all its functions to the
best advantage, must be placed under the best conditions and must
be supplied with clean air, safe water, and good food, and must be
able to appropriate them to its use. The day is not far distant
when a city will be held as responsible for the purity of the air in
its schoolhouses, the cleanliness of the water in its reservoirs, and
the reliability of the food sold in its markets as it now is for the
condition of its streets and bridges. Nor will the years be many
before educational institutions will be held as responsible for the
condition of the bodies as of the minds of the pupils."

The book treats of the following: Air: composition, impuri-
ties, relation to human life ; the problems of ventilation ; methods
of examination of air; Water: source, properties, solvent power,
as a carrier; the problem of safe water and interpretation of analyses;
methods of examination of water ; Food : in relation to human life,
definition, sources, classes, dietaries ; adulterations and sophistica-
tions of food materials, methods of food analysis. The work is to
be regarded as an important addition to sanitary chemistry.

Veterinary Counter Practice. A Treatise on the Diseases of
Animals and the Most Suitable Remedies for Them. Written ex-
pressly for chemists and druggists by qualified and experienced
members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Third
edition. Published at the offices of the Chemist and Druggist, 42
Cannon Street, London, E. C. 1900.

It is not generally recognized among pharmacists that veterinary
counter practice is a legitimate part of the pharmacists' calling, par-
ticularly when situated in the country, as he is more likely from his
knowledge and skill with compounding of medicines to be able to
supply the requirements of the farmer, stockholder and pet owner.
The suggestions in "Veterinary Counter Practice" are not intended
as a "substitute for the clinical experience absolutely necessary to the
equipment of a competent veterinary practitioner, but in hundreds
of cases it will enable the pharmacist to understand cases detailed t

Am. .Tour. Pharm. )
February, 1901. j

Pharmaceutical Meeting.

103

him at his counter, and to supply the most suitable remedy." The
arrangement of the contents is as follows : Medical and Surgical
Treatment of Domestic Animals ; Veterinary Medicines ; Diseases
of the Horse; Lameness in Horses; Dentition of the Horse;
Diseases of Cattle; Diseases of Sheep ; Diseases of Pigs ; Diseases
of Dogs; Treatment of Eye Diseases; Wounds, Sores, etc., in
Animals; Diseases of Poultry; Posological Table; Miscellaneous
Veterinary Formulae ; Veterinary Surgeons Act; the title " Veteri-
nary Chemist ;" .the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Acts; Sale of
Horses; Veterinary Curriculum; Methylated Veterinary Prepara-
tions; Administration of Poison to Horses. A number of illustra-
tions on lameness in horses and dentition of the horse serve to elu-
cidate the text. The book is a valuable one, in not only the
information it contains, but in throwing out numerous hints as to
how the pharmacist may increase his trade in this particular field.

The Student's Medical Dictionary. Including all the words
and phrases generally used in medicine, with their proper pronun-
ciations and definitions, based on recent medical literature. By
George M. Gould. Eleventh edition. Enlarged with many illus-
trations. Philadelphia: P. Blakiston's Son & Co. 1900. $2.50.

The new edition has been enlarged by over 100 pages, contains a
large number of new illustrations and a new table of eponymic terms.
It is particularly adapted to the wants of students, and contains cor-
rect and succinct definitions of all the more common words that are
used in the different books, lectures, etc.

The book is of peculiar value to the pharmacist as well as physi-
cian and dentist, as the price is reasonable, the size is convenient
and the definitions are right to the point.

PHARMACEUTICAL MEETING.
The fourth of the series of pharmaceutical meetings of the Phila-
delphia College of Pharmacy for 1900-1901 was held on Tuesday,
January 15, 1901. Mahlon N. Kline, well known in pharmaceutical
circles, presided. The meeting was a notable one, in that a number
of papers of exceptional value were presented. Prof. J. H. Beal,
of Scio, O., widely known for his important contributions on the
subject of pharmaceutical jurisprudence, presented a paper on " A
Lesson in Practical Politics Applied to Pharmacy Legislation " (see

Pharmacen tic a I Meeting.

( Am. Jour. Pharm.
I February, 1901.

page 66). The value of this paper is evidenced by the fact, as stated
by the speaker, that the methods outlined by him have been practi-
cally applied in securing pharmaceutical legislation in Ohio. The
paper is one which is deserving the reading of every pharmacist of the
United States, as it shows the value of individual effort, in a most
forcible manner, in securing beneficial legislation, In commenting
upon the paper, Mr. Kline said that he heartily endorsed what had
been said by Professor Beal and that he was convinced that no one
could gather together more common sense concerning the manner
of securing pharmaceutical legislation than was done by the speaker.
Mr. Cliffe likewise said that he had never heard a more succinct
statement of the methods to be employed for securing desirable
legislation than was brought out in the paper by Professor Beal.
He said that he had known the motion to refer a bill to a committee
for amendment to be useful in defeating a bad bill, as well as being
an epitaph for a good bill, as brought out by Professor Beal. Mr.
Cliffe referred to the proposed pharmacy law for the State of Penn-
sylvania and said that it differed from the old one in certain
respects, in that it (a) required all stores to have a license which
must be renewed annually ; (b) the registration of apprentices at a
nominal fee, which would serve to establish their identity ; {c) regis-
tration in two grades ; (d) an improvement in the clause relating to
poisons. Mr. Cliffe further suggested to those present that they
speak of this meeting to proprietors and others in their respective
neighborhoods, urging them to support the proposed law. Professor
Remington commended very highly Professor Beal's labors for secur-
ing desirable legislation and said that he was glad that the paper
was so unanimously endorsed by the meeting. A special vote of
thanks was given Professor Beal for his valuable paper and for the
efforts hj had made in coming so far to present it at this meeting.

An exceptionally valuable paper and one having special interest
at this time, on account of the revision of the U.S. P., on " The
Chemistry of Ipecacuanha," by Dr. B. H. Paul and A. J. Cownley,
London, was presented on behalf of the authors by Professor
Kraemer (see page 57).

Mr. M. I. Wilbert gave very interesting papers on " The Use of
X-Rays in Detecting the Adulterations in Drugs " and " The Produc-
tion of Nitric Acid from Atmospheric Nitrogen," both of which he
demonstrated by means of electrical apparatus supplied by Messrs.

Am. Tour. Pharm. \
February', 1901. J

PJiarmaceu tic a I Meeting.

105

Queen & Co. The paper on " The Use of X-Rays in Detecting
the Adulterations in Drugs" appears in full in this issue. The
others, on " The Production of Nitric Acid from Atmospheric Nitro-
gen " and " Commercial Asafcetida," will be printed in the March
issue of this Journal. Those commenting upon these papers were
Professors Remington and Lowe and the Chairman.

J. Percy Remington presented a paper on "Improvements in the
Remington Pharmaceutical Still," which was illustrated by means
of the apparatus, exhibited both in sections and in operation. Mr.
Wallace Procter said that he had used this still lor a good many
years and that the improvements in clamps for securing the head
of the still and the attachment for holding the condenser were
desirable features. Mr. E. M. Boring said that he had used the
Prentis still for the making of aromatic waters and found the appa-
ratus to fulfil all his wants, and said that it had in its favor the fact
that no clamps whatsoever were used. He said that he thought
the adaptation of the boiler idea with condenser, as in the Rem-
ington still, was a good one.

Among the pieces of apparatus exhibited was " The Druggists'
Label Gummer," which is intended to do away with the old method
of paste and brush and appears to be particularly adapted where
large numbers of labels are used.

Mr. W. L. Cliffe presented to the College two mortars, one
which he obtained while on a recent trip to Mexico, which was
made of stone of volcanic origin and used in the grinding up of
Chile or red pepper, which is largely used with corn meal in that
country. The other was a carved wooden mortar cut out of a solid
block of wood, and was obtained from Arabia, it being used there in
the grinding of coffee.

Mr. Wallace Procter exhibited a pair of saddle-bags which had
been used during the Mexican war by Mr. Mordicai, a former
Philadelphian, an engineer in the U. S. Army. The bags still con-
tained a number of medicinal preparations, as essence of pepper,
mint, ammonia water, morphine sulphate, calomel, ipecac, jalap,
laudanum, compound cathartic pills and iodide of potassium pills.

Among the papers to be presented at the next meeting on
February 19th are the following:

(1) " Remarks on a New Cold Cream and Other Ointments." By
William C. Alpers, Sc.D., New York City.

106 Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, {^braSyTSS?1'

(2) « Why do Syrups Spoil ? " By Alfred I. Cohn, New York City.

(3) " Assay of Coca." By William R. Lamar, New York City.

(4) " Gum Mastic." By Henry C. C. Maisch, Ph.D.

(5) " The Ebulliscope." By William R. Lamar, New York City.

H. K.

PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY.

The quarterly meeting of the members of the Philadelphia Col-
lege of Pharmacy was held December 31st, the President, How-
ard B. French, in the chair. Nineteen members were present.
The minutes of the semi-annual meeting, held September 24th, were
read and approved as read. The minutes of the Board of Trustees
for the months of October, November and December were read by
the Registrar, W. Nelson Stem, and approved as read.

The consideration of the proposed addition to the By-Laws sub-
mitted at the September meeting (and published in the American
Journal of Pharmacy for November, 1900, page 562) was then
taken up and, after slight amendments, was adopted. The Revised
Code of Ethics was then taken up for action (a printed copy hav-
ing previously been mailed to the members), and after consideration
by section was adopted with , slight alterations in the phraseology
of section (4) four.

Mr. Beringer presented a printed copy of the newly revised By-
Laws, and as this completed the work of the Committee, asked
that they be discharged. The report was accepted and the Com-
mittee discharged with the thanks of the members.

The President reported that he had asked the solicitors of the
College for an opinion as to the advisability of copyrighting the
name and seal of the College, who reported against the advisability
of it,-as under existing laws it would not prevent any one from
using the name of the College for business purposes.

Announcement was made of the death of our fellow-member,
David Preston, which occurred on the 22d of October, at Fallston,
Md. Mr. Preston was elected a member in 1874. No further
business, the meeting, on motion, adjourned.

C. A. Weidemann, M.D.,

Secretary.

THE AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY

MARCH, igoi.

i ^ THE CHEMISTRY OF IPECACUANHA.
By Dr. B. H. Paui, and A. J. Cownxey.
( Concluded from p. 66. )

In our examination of the alkaloids of ipecacuanha the Brazilian
variety was employed in the first instance. The extraction was car-
ried out in the following manner, mainly to avoid any possible dele-
terious action on the alkaloids : A quantity of the drug was ex-
tracted with cold alcohol, the alcoholic percolate mixed with basic
lead acetate, filtered, and the excess of lead removed with dilute
sulphuric acid. The filtrate was neutralized and the alcohol dis-
tilled off. The clear solution was then agitated with ether and
ammonia. That ether solution was next shaken out with weak
sulphuric acid and the acidulated solution repeatedly shaken
with caustic soda, in the presence of ether, until cephaeline,
the base soluble in caustic alkali, had been completely separ-
ated. The base, insoluble in weak caustic alkali, was then con.
verted into hydrochloride and the salt recrystallized from water.
Finally, the base was precipitated by ammonia. In the examina-
tion of New Granada ipecacuanha the powdered drug was mixed
with lime and extracted with amylic alcohol and the bases then sep-
arated as before described. In order to obtain the crystalline emetine
hydrochloride more readily, cephaeline should be completely
separated by treatment with caustic alkali. Cephaeline is obtained
from the caustic soda liquor by neutralization with acid and then
shaking out with ether and ammonia.

The third alkaloid, which we have named psychotrine, was ob-
tained by extracting with chloroform, the ammoniacal liquid from
which emetine and cephaeline had been separated by ether.

(107)

108 Chemistry of Ipecacuanha. { A Varch, i9hoi!"m'

EMETINE.

Emetine is apparently an amorphous base and almost colorless. It
melts at about 68° C, is strongly alkaline to litmus, and neutralizes
acids completely. On exposure to light it becomes of a yellowish
color. It is readily soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform or ben-
zine, but is only sparingly soluble in hot petroleum spirit or in
water. On evaporation of any of these solutions emetine is left in
the form of- a transparent varnish. Emetine is insoluble in solu-
tions of caustic alkali, and is thus distinguishable from cephaeline.

Analysis of the base, emetine, which had been prepared from the
crystalline emetine hydrochloride by precipitation with ammonia^
gave the following results. These results correspond very closely with
those obtained by Glenard and with the formula C15H22N02 — 248
or QoH44N204 = 496.

i. 2. Mean. Theory.

Carbon 72*23 71*80 72*01 72*58

Hydrogen 8*71 9*02 8*86 8*87

Nitrogen — 5*75 5*75 5*64

Oxygen — — 13*38 12*91

ioo* ioo*

The platinochloride was obtained as a buff-colored amorphous pre-
cipitate, almost insoluble in water or alcohol. It was dried until con-
stant at iOO° C, being partially decomposed at 120° C. On analysis
•208 gramme gave -045 gramme platinum = 21-63 percent. Calcu-
lated for (C15H22N02)2PtCl42HCl = 21*53 percent. Molecular weight
of the platinum salt, 905-7.

On titrating emetine with hydrochloric acid it was found to require
for neutralization 14*56 per cent. HC1; this result corresponds
with 12*71 per cent, in the hydrochloride, the calculated quantity
being 12*83 per cent., agreeing with the formula C15H22N02HC1 or
C30H44N2O4.2HCl.

The saturating power of the base is, of course, the same whether
emetine is expressed as monovalent C15H22N02 = 248, according
to Glenard, or bivalent with the formula CgoH^N^ = 496, as in
either case 248 parts of emetine are equal to 36*5 parts HC1 or 496
parts to 98 parts H2S04, respectively.

Emetine hydrochloride may be obtained in a crystalline form by
evaporating a water solution slowly or by adding ether to an alco-
holic solution. From water the salt crystallizes in radiating groups

AVa°rch,r9oi.rnJ"i Chemistry of Ipecacuanha, 109

of silky filaments, which are very readily soluble in water. The hy-
drochloride is rendered anhydrous at iOO° C. The dried salt on
analysis gave 12-91 per cent. HCl. Calculated for C15H22N02HC1 or
QoH^N^jO^HCl, requires 12-83 per cent. HCl.

The salt crystallizes with greater facility in the presence of an
excess of acid. On adding moderately strong hydrochloric acid to
emetine it is immediately converted into a bulky mass of fine silky
crystals, whereas the formation of crystals from a neutral aqueous
solution of the^salt does not take place when the solution is dilute
until some time has elapsed and the solution has become concen-
trated. This difference of behavior suggested the possibility that
an acid salt was formed, but, on analysis of the silky mass of crys-
tals formed on adding strong acid to the base, that was not found to
be the case. Considerable difficulty was found in obtaining the
crystals which separated from an acid solution in a fit state for
analysis on account of the large quantity of mother liquor absorbed
by the crystals. Drying by heat gave a neutral salt containing
12-83 Per cent.' HCl as required by theory. Analysis of the crys-
tals well pressed on bibulous paper showed that no acid salt is formed,
but that the presence of free hydrochloric acid merely promotes the
crystallization of the neutral salt. The following results were
obtained with the material thus imperfectly dried :

Calculated for

C15Ho2N02.HC1.3H20

Found.

or C30H44N2O4.2HCl.6H2O.

73*26

HCl .

10-78

15*96

IOO"

100 *

The amount of hydrochloric acid in a dry acid salt having the
composition C15H22N02.2HC1 or C30H44N2O44HCl would be 22-74
per cent.

Emetine Hydrobromide. — This salt can be obtained by adding
potassium bromide to a solution of emetine hydrochloride or by
neutralizing the base with hydrobromic acid. It crystallizes in
tufts of silky needles. Emetine hydrobromide is now prepared on a
commercial scale, and a sample supplied to us by Mr. W. G. Whif-
fen gave on analysis the following results:

I IO

Chemistry of Ipecacuanha.

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ March, 1901.

Calculated for

KmHBr. C15Ho2N02.HBr or

Commercial CaoH^NaO^HBr.

Crystalline. Anhydrous. Anhydrous.

Emetine 66-90 75-25 75-38

Hydrobromic acid 22-01 24*75 24*62

Water 11-09 — —

ioo- IOO" IOO'

The commercial salt appears to approximate to a salt having the
following composition :

Emetine 67*95

HBr 22-19

Water 9-86

ioo-

which corresponds with the formula C15H22N02HBr.2H20 or CgoH^-
N2042HBr.4H20.

Emetine hydrobromide becomes anhydrous at 100° C, and the
crystalline salt effloresces on exposure to air, until it' has the compo-
sition approximating to a salt with the above composition, when it
remains constant. It is a permanent salt, undergoing no alteration
in color after being kept for some months. It is readily soluble in
water, but much less so than emetine hydrochloride, difficultly solu-
ble in absolute alcohol or in chloroform.

Emetine hydriodide was obtained in the form of silky needles by
slow evaporation of its alcoholic solutions, and the nitrate in crystal-
line tufts by dissolving the nitrate in alcohol and adding ether.

The mercury salt was obtained in granular crystals, which melt
to a resin in hot water on adding mercuric chloride to emetine hy-
drochloride. The chromate, picrate, ferricyanide and the gold salt
have also been obtained. The sulphate, acetate and oxalate are
very soluble in water or alcohol, and apparently uncrystallizable.

CEPHAELINE.

This base, when precipitated from a solution of its salts by am-
monia, is colorless ; but, like emetine, it soon acquires a yellow color
on exposure to light. It is very much less soluble in ether than eme-
tine and is very sparingly soluble in cold petroleum spirit, but with
the aid of heat is more freely dissolved, and on cooling the solution
is again deposited in a flocculent form. On evaporation of a solution

iiti. .lour. Pharm.
March, 1901.

} Chemistry of Ipecacuanha. 1 1 1

of cephaeline in alcohol, ether or petroleum spirit, the base is left in
the form of a faintly yellowish transparent varnish. From ether
cephaeline separates in the form of bunches of delicate silky needles
which form more readily in the presence of water. It is readily ob-
tained in a crystalline form by agitating a salt of cephaeline with
ether and ammonia, when cephaeline crystallizes out almost im-
mediately. Cephaeline precipitated by ammonia melts at about 102°
C. The crystals from ether melt in a capillary tube at g6°-g^>° C.
On exposure of, the crystals to a temperature of ioo° C. there is a
loss of weight amounting to 478 per cent.; at 1200 C. there is no
further loss in weight, but the base acquires a brown color without
melting and evidently undergoes some alteration which has not yet
been studied.

Cephaeline is soluble in dilute caustic alkali and is thus readily
separated from emetine.

Analysis of the anhydrous base gave the following results, which
correspond with the formula C14H20NO2 = 234 or C28H40N2O4 =
46S:

Calculated.

Carbon 71*28 7179

Hydrogen 8*69 8*54

Nitrogen 6*24 5*94

Oxygen 1379 1373

100 ' 100 *

On titrating the base it was found to require for neutralization
15-66 and I 5-67 per cent. HCl, the calculated quantity for the above
formula as monovalent C14H20NO2 or as bivalent C,8H40N2O4 being
15-59. The mean of these results would give 13-54 per cent, of
HCl in the salt as against 13-49 per cent, calculated.

The platinochloride is yellow and decidedly darker in color than
the corresponding salt of emetine. On analysis it gave 22-38 per
cent, of platinum, the calculated quantity for the formula (C14H20-
N02)2.PtCl4.2HCl, molecular weight 878, being 22-21 per cent,
platinum.

Cephaeline Hydrochloride. — Cephaeline, like emetine, forms the
crystalline hydrochloride with greater facility in the presence of ex-
cess of acid. It crystallizes in fine transparent rhombic crystals
and has the composition represented by the formula

C14H20NO2.HCl3H2O or C28H40N2O42HCl,6H2O

112

Chemistry of Ipecacuanha.

Am. Jour. Pharru.
March, 1901.

PSYCHOTRINE.

This alkaloid exists in ipecacuanha in very small amount,
relatively, to emetine and cephaeline, and it differs from those
alkaloids in being very sparingly soluble in ether. As previously
mentioned, it is obtained by extracting with chloroform the ammoni-
acal liquid from which emetine and cephaeline had been previously
extracted by ether. The quantity obtained was too small to allow
of complete examination, but the physical characters of psychotrine
distinguish it in a very definite manner. It is a crystalline alkaloid
which separates from ether in well-defined transparent prisms of a
pale lemon yellow color. It melts at about 1 380 C, neutralizes acids,
and apparently has a much higher molecular weight than either eme-
tine or cephaeline. Psychotrine dissolves readily in alcohol or
chloroform, the solutions becoming dark-colored on exposure to
light and depositing a dark brown substance.

In order to obtain more precise information as to the molecular
weight of emetine and cephaeline than is given by the analysis of
their platinum salts, we carried out many experiments for that pur-
pose, employing Beckmann's boiling point method.

In dealing with emetine and cephaeline there are several diffi-
culties to be overcome in order to accurately ascertain the rise in the
boiling point of the solvent as the basis of the molecular weight de-
termination. Sakurai, Landsberger and others have suggested
modifications of Beckmann's process in order to obviate the varia-
tions peculiar to it ; but in dealing with emetine and cephaeline
there is difficulty in obtaining the solvent that shall have no action
on the alkaloid at the 'boiling point of the solvent. Ether is the
only solvent for emetine and cephaeline that we have found to allow
the solution of the alkaloid to be boiled without decomposition of
the alkaloid as judged by the change in color. Ether, however, has
the great disadvantage that when in a dry condition it does not
readily dissolve these alkaloids. When emetine and cephaeline are
liberated in a nascent condition they are readily dissolved by ether
in the presence of water, but that is not the case when the dry base
is added to perfectly dry ether. Dry chloroform and absolute al-
cohol readily dissolve these bases, but judging frbm the intense
darkening of the solutions and separation of floccuient matter after
boiling, there is an apparent alteration. Trustworthy results with
ether could only be obtained by employing the modification of the

Am. Jour. Phar.ii.")
March, 1901. j

Chemistry of Ipecacuanha.

i*3

method suggested by Sakurai,1 of weighing the solvent after noting
the rise in temperature and ascertaining the amount of alkaloid dis-
solved in the ascertained quantity of the solvent.

The results obtained by Beckmann's method were as follows :

Molecular Weight.

T? tn f i n f*

JZ, LLL\Z till c .

Ether as solvent.

Molecular weight

(i) 249 319 283 294

286

(2) 240 334 285

286

Ethylic alcohol as solvent.

353 (i)38r 519 477

432

(2) 484 527 547

519

(3) 473 439 652

521

Chloroform as solvent.

(1) 402

402

(2) 469

469

Cephaeline.

Ethylic alcohol as solvent.

533 593

563

The figures I, 2, 3 denote that there was a first, second and third
addition of the alkaloid to the same solution. With the exception
of ether, the solvents employed have, as already noted, a great color-
changing action on the alkaloids. The simple expression of our
analytical data gives the empirical formula for emetine as C15H22N02
= 248, and for cephaeline C14H20NO2 == 234, in which case the
figures have a monobasic value. The determination of the weight of
the molecule as shown by the rise in boiling point when employing
ethylic alcohol and chloroform as solvents, while not entirely satis-
factory from the possibility of decomposition of the alkaloids having
to some extent taken place, nevertheless points to the molecular
formulae and weights being for emetine CgoH^NX^ = 496, and for
cephaeline C28H40N2O4 = 468. On this point, however, further in-
formation no doubt will be forthcoming from such results as may be
obtained by a splitting up of the molecule.

It is satisfactory to be able to chronicle the fact that the results
as above obtained in the investigation of the ipecacuanha alkaloids
have been practically confirmed by so eminent an authority on al-
kaloids as Dr. Hesse, who kindly gave us the benefit of his valuable

1Jour. Chem. Soc, LXI, 989.

ii4

Chemistry of Ipecacuanha.

( Am. Jour. Pharm.
I March, 1901.

assistance by examination of emetine and cephaeline ;x as well as
by E. Merck.2

Dr. Hesse's results as compared with our own are thus tabulated :

Calculated.

Emetine.

Paul and Cownle3T.

Hesse.

Paul and Cownlev.
CisHnoXOo or
CaoH44N204.

Hesse.

C30H40N2O..

72*01

71-99

72-58

72-87

8-86

8-12

8-87

8-50

575

5'64

5'66

21-63

21-67

21-52

21*56

Cephaeline.

CuHgoNOa or
C28H40N2O4.

CjsHsgNaO*.

71-28

71-84

7i'79

72- 10

8'69

8-n

8-54

8-15

6-24

5*94

6-oo

Platinum

22-38

22*40

22-2I

2224

In other words, then, these results agree so closely that our for-
mulae for the two bases may be accepted as correct if we assign to
each the formula respectively as, emetine, Co(lH44N204, and cephae-
line, CogH^NoC^, as will be seen by the following molecular weights i

Cephaeline.
234 x 2 = 468

466

Emetine.

Paul and Cownley 248 x 2 = 496

Hesse 494

THE PHARMACOLOGY OF EMETINE AND CEPHAELINE.

Dr. R. B. Wild, Lecturer on Materia Medica and Therapeutics at
Owens College and the Victoria University, Manchester, has kindly
carried out the experimental investigation of the comparative
action of emetine and cephaeline upon certain tissues and organs,
in the pharmacological laboratory of the Owens College. The re-
sults obtained afford some information as to the relative activity of
these bases and give some indications of their therapeutic valued
The hydrochlorides of the bases were respectively employed. It
was found that emetine and cephaeline both possess powerful
emetic action ; but the emetic dose of emetine was double that of
cephaeline ; on the other hand, the nausea produced by cephaeline

1 Pharm. fourn., LXI, 98.

2 Berichte, 1894, 50.

3 The La?icet, Nov. 23, 1895.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
March. 1901.

Chemistry of Ipecacuanha.

is double that of emetine. For therapeutic use it seems probable
that in cephaeline we have a powerful and certain emetic in doses
of 5 to 10 milligrammes. In acute catarrh and fever, where vomit-
ing is not required, emetine in small doses seems likely to prove of
considerable value, and as an emetic in doses of 10 to 20 milli-
grammes when a more depressing action is required. In other words,
then, emetine is a good expectorant, but cephaeline not quite its
equal, while cephaeline is undoubtedly superior as an emetic.

BRAZILIAN AND COLUMBIAN IPECACUANHA.

The observations of Dr. Wild are of importance as indicating
that ipecacuanha for pharmaceutical purposes must be regarded
from the nature and the amount of emetine and cephaeline rather
than from its botanical source.

The results of analyses of selected samples of the two kinds of
ipecacuanha show that although the total amount of alkaloid in the
two kinds does not differ materially, the proportions of emetine and
cephaeline are so different that the drugs cannot be regarded as
interchangeable.

This is apparent from the following analyses:

Brazilian.

Columbian.

Root.

Stem.

Per cent.

i*45

ri8

0-89

'52

•59

•04

<ro6

2'0I

r8o

2-20

This difference is made clearer from the following percentage
composition :

Emetine . .
Cephaeline .
Psychotrine

Brazilian.

Columbian.

Root.

72-14
25-87
1 '99

Stem.

65-6
32-8
r6

IOO"

40'5
56-8
2'7
ioo-

u6 Chemistry of Ipecacuanha. { ^mS'/SSl"*

The method of analysis adopted consists in taking 50 grammes
of the root, mixing with one-fifth of its weight of lime, moistening
with water and then extracting with amylic alcohol. The amylic
percolate is extracted with dilute acid, and the acid liquid shaken out
with ether and ammonia to extract the emetine and cephaeline, leav-
ing psychotrine to be extracted by chloroform from the ammoniacal
liquid. The ether residue, consisting of emetine and cephaeline, is
then titrated with semi-normal hydrochloric acid, of which 1 c.c. ==
0-124 gramme emetine and 0-117 gramme cephaeline. Emetine and
cephaeline are then separated by treating the hydrochloric acid solu-
tion with caustic soda in the presence of ether and repeatedly shak-
ing the ether solution with soda until all the cephaeline has been
separated. The ether solution of emetine is evaporated and the
residue titrated with standard acid, the result being expressed as
emetine. The soda liquor is acidified, shaken with ether and am-
monia, and the ether residue of cephaeline titrated as with emetine.
The total number of cubic centimetres of semi-normal hydrochloric
acid used in titrating the separated bases, emetine and cephaeline,
should equal the number required before their separation. When
the separation has been satisfactorily made, the emetine hydrochlo-
ride should be readily obtained in a crystalline form on evaporating
the solution, and the solution of cephaeline hydrochloride should give
the characteristic crystals of cephaeline when shaken with ether and
ammonia.

The statements made by some observers, that ipecacuanha root
which has been deprived of its alkaloids has a greater therapeutic
value in the treatment of dysentery, require to be received with
doubt, inasmuch as the so-called de-emetinized ipecacuanha has not
been found in our experience to be entirely free from alkaloidal eon-
tents. In fact, as much as 0-5 per cent, of total alkaloids is not un-
common. Some attempt, however, was made to isolate and study
another constituent of ipecacuanha from the basic lead precipitate
previously mentioned as obtained in our separation of the basic con-
stituents. A crystalline constituent was obtained of the nature of a
glucoside somewhat resembling saponin. It had no emetic action
in doses of 0-25 gramme.

Laboratory, 13 Fenchurch Avenue, London, E. C.

Am. Jour. Pharm.)
March, 1901. J

A New Cold Cream.

117

A NEW COLD CREAM.
By Wiixiam C. Aj_pers, Sc.D.

In proposing a formula for a new cold cream, I beg to apologize
in advance if what I am going to say is not new to you. In these
days of continuous research by thousands of ambitious, restless
minds, we are never sure that some one else has not long ago dis-
covered what we consider as new. The only safeguard against such
repetition consists in the diligent reading of pharmaceutical and
chemical journals, and here I must confess to a sin of omission ; for
the pressure of business during the last two years has not left me
time enough to do my full duty in this respect.

The words " cold cream " have a double meaning. As a prepa-
ration of the Pharmacopoeia, the synonym of Unguentum Aquae
Rosae, its formula is, of course, definite and fixed, and no ointment,
however superior, can be dispensed in its place. But, besides this
Pharmacopceial meaning, cold cream is a collective name for all
unctious preparations that serve as an emollient for the skin, and the
laity, when asking for cold cream, care but little whether the
ointment that they receive is made after one formula or another, as
long as it is soft and soothing, of grateful odor and desired efficiency.
We all know that the official preparation, while fulfilling all these
requirements when freshly made, cannot be depended upon after
only a short time, particularly when exposed to a sudden change of
temperature. In pharmacies where the sale of toilet articles is
made a special feature, the official cold cream is entirely unavaila-
ble ; for when put up in sealed packages, we never know in what
condition it may be when sold. For this reason nearly every enter-
prising pharmacist has his private formula, differing more or less
from the official one, and it may be stated without fear of contra-
diction that none of the numerous proprietary cold creams are
made in accordance with the Pharmacopoeia. It is for such a
preparation, uniform in all climates and available under all con-
ditions, that I propose this new formula. The disturbing element
in the official preparation being the oil, a proper substitute was
found in* the so-called paraffin oil, also sold under the name of
mineral oil or white oil. Care must be taken to select the best
quality, entirely free from odor and color.

The formula is as follows :

Ii8 A New Cold Cream. {AmmSXm.

White wax 150 parts.

Paraffin oil 600 "

Water 240 "

Borax 9 "

Oil geranium 1 "

Oil rose, 10 to 20 drops

To make 1,000 parts.

Dissolve the wax in the oil with the aid of a gentle heat ; in another
vessel dissolve the borax in the water ; bring both solutions to the
same temperature, not exceeding 6o° C. (1400 F.), and pour the
aqueous solution into the oil in a continuous stream. Stir gently
for a minute or two, add the essential oils while stirring, and pour
into jars before cold.

This preparation is a snow white, soft and smooth ointment of
glossy appearance and pleasant odor, far surpassing in elegance the
official cold cream. The time to prepare it is less than fifteen min-
utes. It will keep in the heat of summer and the cold of winter,
becoming but slightly thinner in summer. From the testimony of
those that have used this preparation, it is fully equal, if not supe-
rior, to any other cold cream, rendering the skin soft and white and
exercising a soothing influence on irritated surfaces, chapped hands
and lips. The cost is much less than that of the official cold
cream.

In preparing this ointment a few points must be carefully ob-
served. Do not overheat your solutions; if too hot, a much inferior
preparation will result. Let both solutions be of the same tempera-
ture ; for this reason I use a chemical thermometer as a stirring
rod. Be careful to wipe the stirring rod (or thermometer) each
time when you move it from one solution to the other. Do not
stir very briskly after mixing the two solutions. Be sure of the
purity of the wax ; do not take a mixture of paraffin and wax
which is sold often as white wax and foolishly preferred by some
on account of its greater whiteness.

Instead of plain water, rose water, or water with any desired
odor may be used, omitting the oils afterwards, or other fragrant
oils may be substituted for the essential oils. The quantities of oil
and wax may also be varied to produce an ointment of different
consistency.

The most remarkable feature of this cold cream is the fact that it

Am. Jour. Pharru.
March, 1901.

Why do Syrups Spoil?

119

changes its consistency but slightly in various temperatures, and
never loses its grateful odor and elegant appearance. This quality
was certainly imparted by the use of the mineral oil, and the thought
naturally suggested itself to use this oil also in other ointments with
the view of making them more stable and uniform. I intended to
make a series of experiments in this direction, but lack of time
during the last two years prevented me from carrying out my in-
tention. I can only submit to you two samples, one of simple cerate
in which 100 parts of lard have been replaced by the same quantity
of mineral oil, and one of camphor cerate, in which the cotton-seed
oil has been replaced by mineral oil. The former one, the simple
cerate, prepared last July, has stood for a long time in direct sun-
light without showing signs of granulation or decomposition. I
trust that these few remarks may encourage others to take up this
work, which seems to promise good results.

WHY DO SYRUPS SPOIL?
By Alfred I. Cohn, Ph.Gr., New York.

The reason why the syrups of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia so fre-
quently spoil is a question that has engaged the attention of many
investigators. The spoiling has been ascribed to various causes, and
almost as many means have been proposed for its avoidance ; in
fact, a search through the literature of pharmacy of the past decade
or two will bring to light a striking variety of expedients adopted
for preventing or retarding decomposition in Pharmacopceial syrups,
not only individually, but collectively as well.

Among the causes which are prone to occasion deterioration in
syrups, the following are the most prominent :

(1) Thinness of syrup, i. e., insufficient sugar has been used,
whereby the syrup obtained is not sufficiently dense.

(2) Constant or prolonged exposure to too high a temperature,
as in a room heated too warmly; proximity to a heater, etc.

(3) The presence of substances prone to ferment, such as acacia,
albumin, gelatin, pectinous matter, etc.

(4) Exposure to light, as in the case of syrups containing ferric
salts.

120

Why do Syrups Spoil?

.4m. Jour. Pharnv
March, 1901.

(5) The presence of substances which are naturally inclined to be
unstable, such as hydriodic acid, hypophosphites, etc.

(6) Fermentation due to the action of yeast or other microbic
agents.

(7) Impurities in the sugar used in making the syrup, e. g., ultra-
marine, etc.

On carefully examining these causes we find that, with the excep-
tion of one or two, perhaps, they are all practically under the con-
trol of the pharmacist, as we shall see.

It is a well-known fact that a syrup of proper density is far less
prone to spoil, provided, of course, it be made from proper ma-
terials, than is a syrup made with insufficient sugar. On the other
hand, a too concentrated syrup is just as likely to spoil as a weak
syrup, because it is equally well known that a very concentrated
syrup will deposit crystals of sugar, and, in so doing, will become
weaker in sugar than if made with just sufficient sugar. In other
words, the latter, in crystallizing out, leaves the syrup deficient in
sugar. Hence it follows that a very concentrated syrup must not
be kept in a place where the temperature is likely to fall much,
otherwise the syrup, having deposited the excess of sugar, which it
does not take up again without heating, becomes too thin and may
thus readily spoil.

A constant or prolonged exposure to warmth is apt to be detri-
mental for practically the same reason as mentioned above. The
warmth makes the syrup too thin, so to speak, and renders it sub-
ject to change.

The presence of easily fermentable substances and those readily
prone to decompose cannot, of course, be avoided ; hence it is all
the more important that due regard be paid to the quality of the
syrup used in order not to increase their tendency to decompose,
but rather to prevent, or at least retard, decomposition as much as
possible.

Exposure to light and the action of microbic agents are also easily
avoided or prevented.

We now come to what is, perhaps, the most frequent and most
mischievous of all the causes from which syrups spoil, and that is the
impurities in the sugar from which the syrup is made.

Syrup made from sugar answering the requirements of the U.S. P.
is a very stable preparation, if of proper density. Experience,

Am. Jour. Pharru.
March, 1901.

Why do Syrups Spoil?

121

moreover, has shown such a syrup to be the best preservative of
unstable chemicals, in the sense of its being able to prevent, or at
least greatly retard, the decomposition to which such chemicals are
prone. Nevertheless, substitutes for it have been proposed or highly
recommended, among others the total or partial replacement of the
syrup by glucose or glycerin, or even both. In certain syrups addi-
tional expedients have also been recommended, yet, in my expe-
rience, these substitutes and expedients are unnecessary ; in fact,
under certain circumstances, they are more likely to aggravate mat-
ters.

These substitutes and expedients have all been proposed or
recommended, it is my belief, because the syrup as ordinarily made
is not prepared from suitable materials. We are all accustomed to
consider the sugar we usually buy as so perfectly fitted for every
use in our daily domestic lives, that the thought is scarcely likely to
occur to one that the spoiling of a syrup may be traced to the
quality of the sugar used.

The pharmacist usually obtains his supply of sugar from the
grocer ; or he may, perhaps, in some instances buy it direct from
the manufacturer by the barrel. In neither case, however, is he
likely to receive a pare sugar, simply because pure sugar has natur-
ally a yellowish color, to correct which the manufacturer adds some
blue pigment, usually ultramarine blue, to " whiten " the sugar —
just as the laundress blues her linen, and for a similar reason — and
thus to render it more agreeable in appearance and hence more
salable.

Ultramarine blue, however, is an exceedingly mischievous sub-
stance when present in Pharmacopoeial syrups, and it is really the
most frequent cause of the spoiling of the latter. The quantity of the
pigment present in sugar is in no wise sufficient to affect the eligi-
bility of sugar as a daily food, yet it is quite sufficient to cause the
decomposition of easily decomposable chemicals. This will be
evident if we consider how ultramarine blue is made, and what it
is, chemically.

Ultramarine blue is prepared by heating together a mixture of
fine white clay or silica with sodium carbonate, sulphur and char-
coal; or, a mixture of kaolin, sodium sulphate, sodium carbonate,
sulphur and charcoal. According to the proportions taken of the
several ingredients, ultramarines of various colors may be obtained.

122

Why do Syrups Spoil?

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
I March, 1901.

For instance, there may be prepared deep-blue, light-blue, violet,
blue, green, white, violet, red, and also yellow ultramarines. All
these pigments are of varying composition, and, using one and the
same formula, it is exceedingly difficult, if not almost impossible,
to secure uniform results, as the different lots are likely to exhibit
varying shades and have different compositions. Hence no positive
formula can be properly assigned to any one ultramarine.

According to some investigators, ultramarines are considered to
be compounds of aluminum-sodium silicate with sodium sulphide ;
by others they are believed to be mixtures of aluminum silicate,
sodium polysulphide, and sodium sulphate, sulphite, and hyposul-
phite ; still others state them to be aluminum-sodium silicates in
which a part of the oxygen is replaced by sulphur ; again, many
believe them to be compounds of aluminum-sodium silicate with
aluminum sulphate.

Whichever of these views is taken, however, the broad fact
stands out that an ultramarine is to all intents and purposes a sul-
phide ; whether of aluminum, silicon or sodium makes little differ-
ence, so far as its relation to our subject is concerned. When it is
also added that ultramarine blue is capable of effecting all the dis-
turbances of which a readily-decomposable sulphide is capable, and
that it is decomposed by all acids, even the weakest, as well as by
acid salts, such as alum, for instance ; when we consider that it is
also decomposed by simply boiling (in syrup or water), we may ap-
prehend what an important influence its presence may have in
syrups containing salts inclined to be unstable.

The U.S. P. demands that sugar be free from untramarine, yet it
is probable that few pharmacists note this requirement with care,
and fewer still are likely to test the sugar they buy to see that it is
free from this pigment.

It would, therefore, appear expedient, in fact almost necessary,
that a form of sugar be made official in the U.S. P. now under revis-
ion, which may always be depended upon as being absolutely free
from all disturbing contaminations and impurities, and which shall
yet be within the reach of every pharmacist.

The sugar which will best answer all requirements is white rock
candy. This sugar, because obtained by crystallization, can always
be depended upon as bein^ free from ultramarine.

Attention having thus been called to the mischievous properties

Am. Jour. Pbarm.1
March. 1901. J

Why do Syrups Spoil ct

123

possessed by ultramarine, it may readily be seen what reactions the
pigment would effect in the individual syrups.

On allowing a simple syrup, made by the cold process, to stand
for a while, a deposit forms, consisting of sulphur precipitated as a
result of the decomposition of the ultramarine ; sometimes the pig-
ment itself is also deposited, particularly if a large quantity has
been used in " whitening " the sugar. The syrup is then likely to
acquire a rather disagreeable odor. If the syrup is made by boiling,
the ultramarine, on continued boiling, is decomposed, and a blackish
scum rises, which may be removed. A syrup made by boiling is,
hence, apt to keep better than one not boiled.

In syrup of acacia, the calcium gummate and ultramarine react, a
calcium sulphide being formed. The syrup, which is naturally
prone to decompose even under the most favorable conditions of
preservation, is thus made to deteriorate with increased rapidity.

In syrups of citric acid, calcium lactophosphate, lemon and squill,
there are free acids present, sufficient to decompose the ultramarine
and render the syrups unfit for use.

In syrup of hydriodic acid we have a naturally unstable chemical
which requires all our art to properly preserve, and which must be
particularly well protected from the action of reducers. With such
a chemical, ultramarine immediately gives a reaction. The syrup
soon develops a red color and becomes totally unfit for use. This
syrup has been the subject of much experiment, with a view to find-,
ing means of rendering it more stable. Among these means there
has been recommended the partial or total replacement of the sugar
by glucose or glycerin. Glucose as ordinarily found on the market
is unfit for this purpose, as it nearly always contains appreciable
quantities of free sulphuric acid, and is, moreover, very prone to
ferment. Glycerin is totally inadmissible, as it enters into chemical
reaction with the hydriodic acid, the result being the formation
of allyl iodide. The syrup soon develops a straw color which
rapidly deepens, while the preparation acquires a disagreeable odor
and taste which render the syrup unfit for use.

In syrup of ferrous iodide we have again a readily changeable
iron salt, subjected in addition to the action of a sulphide. Natur-
ally enough, ferrous sulphide forms, together with an unstable iodide
from which free iodine is soon liberated. In this syrup glycerin
would be a good preservative, were it not that pure syrup is very

124

Why do Syrups Spoil?

[Am. Jour. Pharm^
I March, 190L

much better. Glucose is inadmissible because of the reasons al-
ready stated. To fully appreciate what effect the presence of ultra-
marine has on this syrup, it is only necessary to boil a syrup made
from ordinary sugar and one made from rock candy. That made
with sugar turns brown when the boiling-point is approached, while
that free from ultramarine may be boiled for a long time without
impairing in any way the fine green tint, of the syrup. It is true
that the particles of superheated syrup adhering to the flask or
evaporating dish above the surface of the liquid may carbonize and
impart a color to the syrup when dissolved in the latter, but the
color will not be due to decomposition of the syrup, as is the case
when a sugar syrup has been used. If care be taken to avoid the
solution of the carbonized particles, the boiling syrup retains its
handsome brilliant green color. Nor is it necessary to keep any
iron wire in a syrup so made, as recommended by some. The
syrup may even be freely exposed, and does not require to be kept
in well-filled bottles only, or in small, completely-filled bottles.

In the syrups containing hypophosphites, we have again readily
changeable salts acted upon by a sulphide. The compound syrup
of the N. F. in particular spoils rapidly if any ultramarine is pres-
ent, whereas if absent the syrup keeps perfectly.

In syrups of senega, senna and rhubarb, we have polygalic acid,
cathartic acid and chrysophanic acid present, respectively; in syrup
of wild cherry, hydrocyanic and tannic acids; in syrup of black-
berry root, tannic acid. In fact, an inspection of all Pharmacopoeial
syrups will show that there are but few which do not contain one or
more constituents imcompatible with and fully able to decompose
ultramarine blue.

To go a step further, syrups are valued adjuvants, and, next to
water, are perhaps more largely prescribed than any other prepara-
tion. Syrups are thus brought into contact with every kind and vari-
ety of substance, a fact which in itself furnishes sufficient reason for
insisting that a pigment-free syrup be made obligatory in the next
Pharmacopoeia by replacing the sugar by white rock candy.

It is true the initial expense of preparing such a syrup is greater
than when sugar is used, because rock candy itself costs somewhat
more than sugar, and because, since it contains more water of
crystallization than does sugar, more of it must be used to obtain a
syrup of proper density. Notwithstanding the greater first cost,

Am. Jour. Pharm. t
March. 1901. /

The Assay of Coca.

125

however, a syrup so made will be found cheaper in the end, if there
be taken into account not only the time wasted, but also the
pecuniary loss entailed by the necessity of throwing away the
spoiled material.

THE ASSAY OF COCA.

By Wiijjam R. Lamar.

Since the Committee of Revision chosen at the Eighth Decen-
nial Convention for revising the United States Pharmacopoeia, held
in Washington, during the early part of May of last year, was in-
structed to append assay processes to as many of the potent drugs and
their preparations as were found amenable to assay, where sim-
plicity of process, both as to method and apparatus employed, would
lead to fairly uniform results in the hands of different workers, it is
reasonable therefore to expect that coca will receive due considera-
tion at the hands of the committee, and the hope is entertained
that it will find a place among those drugs finally selected for stand-
ardization.

Having frequent occasion to determine the alkaloidal content of
this drug, it is thought that a description of the process in use in
this laboratory, and one which has been found to give perfectly
satisfactory results, might present some points of interest.

It is scarcely to be expected that much which is new or original
can be said of any process likely to be put forward for the valuation
of this or related drugs, inasmuch as the same general principle
underlies them all.

However, by calling attention to and emphasizing such points in
the assay as have been found essential, results are easily obtained
which are quite concordant and represent fully the value of the
drug in question.

It is the writer's opinion that a lack of appreciation of the extreme
instability of the alkaloids accompanying coca is, in the main, the
cause of the many discordant results in the assays published of this
drug.

As is well known, cocaine, cinnamyl cocaine and isatropyl
cocaine are all methyl esters of a differently substituted ecgonine
molecule.

126 The Assay of Coca. { ^Varch.wo^-

The relationship existing between these bodies can easily be seen
from an inspection of the following structural formulae:

ECGONINE. COCAINE.

HC!I \Q*h HCil i CH2

HC»alC/H HCl|f

N • CH, X _ N • CH, 1

CH-0(COC6H5)-CH2'COOCH

CINNAMYL COCAINE. ISATROPYE COCAINE.

CH9

HCf

CH2

HC^ V hc" a 1 /H CH*

N-CH3\ /O-CCKCHiCH-C^ N CH3 \ ,0 ' CO ' C * C6H5

CH;

It is the readiness with which the methyl group, attached to the
carboxyl, is split off, forming, in the case of cocaine, a body, viz.,
benzoyl-ecgonine, which, although possessing alkaloidal property
as regards its behavior to precipitants of such, is nevertheless vir-
tually insoluble in most of the solvents (ether, chloroform, etc.)
employed for abstracting the alkaloids from their solutions after
rendering alkaline, that the discrepancy above referred to is most
likely due.

This saponification occurs quite readily, both in alkaline and acid
solutions, and slightly so in neutral solutions with the progress of
time, but to a marked extent if there be much elevation of tempera-
ture.

Hence it is apparent that a large excess of alkali employed both in
the liberation of the alkaloids from their existing combinations in
the leaf, and their subsequent precipitation from the solution of
their salts, prior to extracting and weighing, is to be especially
avoided.

This excess is not only to be avoided, but the strength also of
the alkali itself should be as low as is consistent with a complete
liberation of the bases.

So also must the strength of acid employed for removing them
from the menstruum used be carefully regulated.

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
March, 1901. J

The Assay of Coca.

127

The ideal menstruum to be employed in extracting any drug un-
der assay is the one which, while completely removing in a reason-
able length of time the alkaloids or other active principles contained
therein, at the same time brings into solution the least possible
amount of the objectionable, so-called extractive matter, which not
infrequently occasions so much trouble in the subsequent steps of
the process.

Such a menstruum is confidently believed to exist in the em-
ployment of kerosene oil for the exhaustion of coca.

The process about to be described is a modification of the well-
known one of the late Dr. E. R. Squibb,1 in which a dilute solution
of ammonium hydrate is substituted for the solution of sodium car-
bonate employed to liberate the alkaloids from their natural com-
binations.

The ammonium hydrate appears to be more penetrating, prob-
ably due to its volatility, and for this reason it is favored.

The quantities employed and the method of procedure are as fol-
lows:

Coca in No. 40 powder 25 grammes.

Ammonic hydrate (2 per cent. NH3) 25 c.c.

— hydrochloric acid 75 c.c.

Ether ^ # each a sufficient quantity.

Kerosene oil j

Place the powdered leaf into an open vessel of suitable capacity
(about 450 c.c); a beaker, except for its fragility, answers very well.
However, a covered jar, such as is commonly used for holding solid
extracts, has been used to advantage, and in fact is rather to be
preferred.

Now add to it 25 c.c. of an approximately 2 per cent, solution of
ammonia and mix well together by means of a stout glass rod of
such a length that, while in the jar, will just allow the cover to rest
in its normal position; permit this to macerate for half an hour,
stirring from time to time, the whole being well covered.

At the expiration of this time remove the cover and note whether
or not the odor of ammonia is perceptible after stirring; if so,

1 Ephemeris, Vol. Ill, p. 1104.

128

The Assay of Coca.

/Am. Jour. Pharui.
\ Marcb,1901.

gradually add 75 c.c. of kerosene oil, stirring well after each addi-
tion.

After the whole has been intimately mixed, cover the jar and al-
low to further macerate for an hour or more, stirring at intervals of
ten or fifteen minutes.

Transfer to a cylindrical percolator of 500 c.c. capacity (preferably
of the Oldberg type) containing a plug of absorbent cotton firmly
pressed into its throat ; pack only slightly.

Remove the last portions of the leaf from the jar by means of oil
delivered from a wash bottle, allowing this to pass through before
covering with a fresh supply.

The percolation should proceed at the rate of six or eight drops
per minute, collecting about 450 c.c. of percolate. If the process of
percolation is carefully executed, a smaller quantity of percolate suf-
fices ; sometimes 250 to 300 c.c. are sufficient to accomplish a prac-
tical exhaustion of the leaf.

Transfer the percolate to a separatory funnel of 700-750 c.c.
capacity of the Squibb pattern, and after rinsing the beaker used to
receive the percolate, with small portions of oil, add to the contents

of the separator 25 c.c. of — hydrochloric acid and shake continu-

ously lor ten minutes.

Allow the separator to rest, when the separation will be almost
completely effected in twenty minutes ; draw off this acid liquid
together with the slight amount of emulsion remaining at the line
of contact of the two liquids into another separator of from 265-
285 c.c. capacity.

Add to the oil remaining in the separator another portion of 25

c.c. — hydrochloric acid, shaking and separating as just described,
10

and finally the extraction is completed with a third portion of 25 c.c.
N

— hydrochloric acid.
10

To the united acid solutions of the alkaloids are now added 20 c.c.
of ether and the whole well shaken together. After carefully releas-
ing the pressure, the liquids are allowed to separate, the acid liquid
is then drawn off into a second separator of like capacity and to it
is added a fresh portion of 15 c.c. of ether, the two well shaken
together and allowed to separate completely, thus removing the
last trace of oil and coloring matter.

Am. Jour. Phaim.
March. 1901.

The Assay of Coca.

129

The acid solution is now drawn off carefully into a third separator ;
the ether remaining in the first separator is shaken successively
with two portions of water of 5 c.c. each ; after separation has taken
place, these in their turn are added to the second ether washing,
and after shaking and allowing to separate, are drawn off into the
third separator containing the major portion of the acid solution.
To this is then added a sufficient quantity of ammonia water 10
per cent., previously diluted with four times its volume of water, to
render the liquid slightly alkaline.

If the ammonia water used is of proper strength, then 6 64 c.c.
of the dilution will be sufficient. However, in practice it usually
requires from 8 to 9 c.c.

This method of procedure prevents an unnecessary excess of
alkali which, as has been pointed out, exerts a saponifying effect
upon the alkaloids, proportional to the degree of its concen-
tration.

(To satisfy one's self of this fact, it is only necessary to add, say
5 c.c. of 10 per cent, ammonia water for the precipitation of the
alkaloids, and to remove them by extracting with successive por-
tions of ether, until this latter upon evaporation leaves no weigh-
able residue.

If now, to a portion of the alkaline liquid remaining, a few drops
of Mayer's reagent be added, an unmistakable evidence of the pres-
ence of benzoyl-ecgonine will be recognized.)

Extract now the alkaloids with three successive portions of ether,
using respectively 40, 30, 30 c.c, taking care in each instance to
allow the ether to separate completely, drawing off the aqueous
liquid carefully into another separator, and pouring the ethereal
solution of the alkaloids out through the upper opening of the
separator into a tared beaker of 160 c.c. capacity.

Rinse the separator with 10 c.c. of ether, pouring it out at the
top, into the separator containing the aqueous portion.

Now hold the separator from which the ethereal solution has just
been removed, in the left hand, with the mouth of same inclined
downward at an angle of about 45 0 with and over that of the sepa-
rator containing the aqueous portion, and while rotating same,
rinse the rim with 5 c.c. of ether delivered from a dropping tube in
such a way that in falling it will drop into the separator beneath;
in a similar manner rinse the cork stopper, and finally add to the

130

The Assay of Coca.

J Am. Jour. Pharm.
I March, 1901.

contents of the separator an additional 10 c.c. of ether, making in
all 30 c.c. for the second extraction.

Shake the separator with its contents actively for a few moments,
then allow the liquids to separate, drawing off the aqueous portion
into the separator previously emptied, the ethereal layer being
added to that already in the beaker.

This operation is repeated a third time.

The beaker containing the ethereal solution of the alkaloids is
set in a warm place (30°-35° C), and as soon as the ether has
evaporated, it is dried at a temperature of 6o° C. until of a constant
weight, this usually requiring about three hours.

The weight obtained multiplied by four expresses the percentage
of alkaloids in the leaf.

The alkaloids so obtained are almost colorless, possessing only a
faint cream tint, and are beautifully crystalline in appearance.

If it is desired, as a check upon the ^weight, they may be titrated,
N

using an excess of _ sulphuric acid V.S. (about 25 c.c.) and a few

cubic centimetres of ether to facilitate the solution, and after the
ether has been entirely dissipated, the excess of acid is determined
N

by means of potassium hydrate V.S., using (2) two drops of a

cochineal tincture (1 gramme in 25 c.c. of 25 per cent, alcohol).
The factor for the pure alkaloids as determined by numerous as-

says is 0*01514 gramme as the equivalent of I c.c. of — HoS04V.S.t

the extremes being 0-01493-0 0155 gramme.

However, if the assay has been carefully conducted, this is entirely
unnecessary, for the gravimetric result is in reality the more accurate,
this being due not only to the difference in the molecular weights of
the alkaloids, but also to the variable composition of this mixture.

The claim has been made by A. R. L. Dohme1 that the so-called
Keller method is far superior to all other methods for assaying coca,
but as none of the methods employed in his comparison was similar
to the one just described, it was thought advisable to institute such
a comparison.

The following results speak for themselves :

Proceedings Amer. Pharm. Assoc., 1895, 268.

Am. Jour. Pharm.\
March, 1901. J

Commercial Asafoetida.

131

KELLER METHOD.

SQUIBB'S MODIFIED.

to"

JbO

•6

■p"

80.

qui

>>
.Q

iT- f 0

IH
0

lloid:

K»; «.
O

I C.C.

alkal

aloid

I c.c.

alka

^ i s

eight

0. c.c.

quival

ercent

reight

0. c.c.

quival

PL|

I. 0-1204 gm.

476

0-0253 Sm-

1-204

0-203 gm.

1 3 "44

0-0151 gm.

•8l2

II. o-nS6 "

i- 186

■2042 "

•817

The sample of coca used was the Huanuco variety (Erythroxylon
Bolivianum).

The alkaloids from Keller method were of a very dark brown
color and crystallized from ether with difficulty.

It will be seen that while the Keller method does give a consider-
ably higher result gravimetrically, it gives a much lower one by
titration.

The cause of the high result of the gravimetric process of Keller
is no doubt due to the fact that the light chloroform-ether mixture
extracts matter soluble in the dilute acid, which the kerosene oil
does not, this foreign matter again entering solution when the alka-
loids are precipitated and shaken out with the heavy chloroform-
ether mixture.

As a result of very many assays made during the past few years,
tr.e conclusion is reached that a leaf to be of good quality should
assay by above process about 07 per cent, of total alkaloids.
Laboratory of Schieffelin & Co.,
New York.

COMMERCIAL ASAFCEITDA.

By M. I. Wilbert.

Asafoetida has for many years been used extensively as an anti-
spasmodic and also with good effect as a carminative in the flatulent
colic of children. In addition to this, it has been used to some

132

Commercial Asafcetida.

/ Am. Jour. Pharm.
t March, 1901.

extent in the treatment of certain nervous disorders, and especially
in attacks of hysteria occurring at or about the menopause.

Of late years, however, it has come into prominence on account
of its value in relieving the flatulence that usually follows as a
sequel to abdominal operations. The opening of the abdomen, and
the necessary disarrangement of the various organs, seems to cause
a suspension of the normal peristaltic action of the intestines, and
the tympanites, caused by the consequent inability to expel the
accumulated flatus, is the cause of much pain and discomfort to the
patient. So far as known, nothing gives as prompt or as much
relief as the administration of some form of asafcetida, preferably an
enema or a suppository.

It follows, naturally, that the efficiency of the various preparations
of asafcetida depends largely on the quality of the raw material from
which they are made. Having occasion to handle a considerable
amount of this gum, for the manufacture of the various preparations,
the writer has at times been much perplexed by the difficulty of
procuring a satisfactory supply of the crude drug. Samples of the
gum have, from time to time, been compared with the Pharmaco-
pceial requirements, and in almost every instance the amount of
alcohol soluble material has fallen decidedly below that required.
This fact, and the number of articles that have been published,
within a year or more, in the British pharmaceutical journals, com-
menting on the high standard for asafcetida that has been estab-
lished by the British Pharmacopoeia, and the poor quality of the
drug as found in the British market, has induced the writer to
make a more systematic study of the available supply of asafcetida.

From correspondence with several drug houses it was learned
that the price of asafcetida varied from 12 cents to $1.50 per pound,
according to quality. It was also learned that the better grades of
asafcetida were extremely scarce in this market, and that at the
present time there was no available supply of choice select gum
or tears.

The ruling prices for the gum on hand varied from 30 cents to
55 cents a pound. At the latter price a small quantity of loose
tears was secured, from which sample No. 1 was subsequently
selected. The sample as obtained from the jobber would not have
given as favorable results, as it was freely mixed with date stones,
transverse sections of roots, small pieces of stone, masses of hair,

.Am. Jour. Pharm. )
March, 1901. /

Co m mercia I Asa fcetida .

133

pieces of sacking, and in addition to this, many of the tears had
quite a considerable amount of coarse sand adhering to them.

Another sample, No. 10 of the annexed list, was kindly lurnished
from the stock of a local hospital, where it had been on hand tor
upward of five years. This sample was dry and hard, but, as far as
yoreign admixture was concerned, was not above the average.

The other specimens were samples of commercial gum, and the
results of the examinations, with the prices paid or asked for the
various varieties, are indicated in the annexed table :

No.

Source and Description.

Alcohol
Soluble.

Insoluble.

Ash.

Price.

I,oose tears . .

. . New York

70*1

29 '9

7-2

$0:55

44"3

557

34"2

■ 30

3 j

414

58-6

35-8

•45

36-4

63'6

45'i

■43

31-2

68-8

5i*9

•36

•6

30*2

69-8

50*6

•32

28-5

7i'5

46-6

•39

Powdered . . .

. . Philadelphia

19-8

8o'2

606

•35

817

62-1.

.40

4°'5

59'5

45'9

The method followed in making these examinations was to take
IOO grammes of the drug and, after coarsely comminuting the
same, placing it in an Erlenmeyer flask and adding 200 c.c. of alco-
hol ; the mixture was then set in a warm place for three or four days
and occasionally agitated. After this the dissolved portion was fil-
tered through a double tared filter, while the residual drug was then
put into a mortar and rubbed down to a paste ; it was then trans-
ferred to the Erlenmeyer flask again and the mortar washed out with
a sufficient quantity of alcohol, which was added to the drug ; this
mixture was allowed to stand in a warm place, with occasional agi-
tation, for several days, and then transferred to the filter mentioned
above. Here it was subsequently washed with warm alcohol until
the washings from the filter were without odor and did not give any
turbidity when added to water. The residual drug was then dried
to constant weight in a drying oven and weighed. After being
thoroughly mixed, 10 per cent, of this residue was taken and incin-
erated to obtain the proportionate amount of ash.

134

Co m mercia I Asa fcetida .

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ :\rarcb, 1901.

It may be noted that the price asked for the crude drug is not
necessarily an indication of its quality. Of the eight samples that
were examined, just as received from the jobber, one, the poorest
(No. 9), was rather above the average in price, while the best in
quality (No. 2) happens to have been the cheapest.

As might have been expected, the samples of powdered gum
were rather below the average in the amount of alcohol soluble
matter. Another feature of powdered gum, and a very important
one, is the change that seems to be caused by the drying process ;
for example, the water soluble portion seems to be so altered or de-
stroyed that it is impracticable to make the official emulsion from
the powdered drug, as it will not dissolve readily in hot water.

The practice of adulterating asafcetida seems to be a very old one,
•'and it has been the cause of much comment. Nearly fifty years
ago Joseph F. Heathcote published in the American Journal of
Pharmacy an examination of powdered asafcetida, only 15 per cent,
of which was soluble in alcohol. Following this there are several
references to the generally poor quality of asafcetida.

In 1892 G. W. Kennedy read a paper before the Pennsylvania
Pharmaceutical Association, in which he reports the examination of
ten specimens of gum asafcetida, ranging in alcohol soluble matter
from 29-25 per cent, to 68-8o per cent., with an average of 49 36 per
cent., or a fraction below that required by the present German Phar-
macopoeia. Only one of the specimens came up to the requirements
of the U.S.P.

Moore and Martin report (in Chem. and Drug., 1899) the result
of examining twelve specimens. These varied in alcohol soluble
matter from 14 to 39 per cent., and the ash varied from 26 to 63
per cent, of the original weight.

J. C. Umney (Chem. and Drug., 1899) also reports examining a
number of samples varying in alcohol soluble matter from 2 i-i to
79-8 per cent., and leaving an ash varying from 62-2 per cent, for the
lower grades to 3 2 per cent, for picked tears.

Mr. Russel W. Moore {Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 1899) gives his re-
sults of an examination of 167 samples of asafcetida known to be
deficient ; only six of these samples contained more than 45 per
cent, of alcohol soluble matter.

The deductions to be drawn from these examinations are that the
crude drug, as it occurs in this and the English markets, is grossly

Am. Jour. Pliarm."*
March, 1901. J

Correspondence.

135

adulterated, and never, or at least very seldom, complies with the re-
quirements of the Pharmacopoeias. The price asked is not necessarily
an indication of the quality. Despite this variation in quality there is
still a considerable amount of the drug- consumed. This would indicate
that it must have medicinal properties for which no substitute has as
yet been found.

The continued use of the drug would also seem to re-
quire that the Pharmacopoeia should in some way try to equalize
the strength of the various preparations made from this drug. It
might be possible, for instance, to require that the tincture should
contain ten parts of the resinous material instead of, as at present,
representing the soluble portion of twenty parts of the gum. The
amount of drug dissolved could readily be ascertained by drying and
weighing the residue left on the filter, and by subsequently diluting
the alcoholic solution it could easily be made to correspond to the
required standard.

The Pharmacopoeia might further direct that the emulsion be
made from gum, the alcohol soluble matter of which has first
been ascertained.

In view of the fact that powdered asafcetida is used so exten-
sively for pills and suppositories, and that it is very seldom or
never reduced to powder by the retail pharmacist, but is always
bought directly or indirectly from the drug miller, it would seem
quite feasible that the Pharmacopoeia include " powdered asafcetida"
and require a definite amount ot alcohol soluble matter, this to be
low enough to prevent agglutination in warm weather, and still
high enough to be of value medicinally.

CORRESPONDENCE.

PROCTER MEMORIAL.

In response to a letter from the editor of this Journal concerning
the most appropriate way of memorializing the life and work of
Professor William Procter, Jr., the following are some of the replies
which have been received :

Dear Sir : — In reply to your kind letter of the 5th inst, it gives
me great pleasure to express my high appreciation of the eminent
services rendered American pharmacy by William Procter, Jr. It is
my opinion that some ever fresh and ever present testimonial to his

136

Corre spon deuce.

( Am.. lour, f'harm^
\ March, 1901.

services and memory should be instituted by the A. Ph. A., and I
know of no more fitting and permanent testimonial than a beauti-
fully executed silver medal, which is to be known as the Procter
Medal, and which is to be awarded annually by the A. Ph. A. for the
most meritorious service rendered pharmacy in any of its depart-
ments, the awarding to be done by the Council of the A.Ph.A., in-
cluding the chairmen of the scientific, educational, commercial and
practical pharmacy sections. It will thus be an honor worthy of the
man whose name it bears, and its annual awarding will ever keep
fresh in memory the father of our fluid extracts, the typical investi-
gator and lover of science for science's sake, and the man who so
closely approximated the ideal of his race.

Alfred R. L. Dohme.

Dear Sir: — Your letter of the nth instant came duly to hand.
In my opinion the most appropriate memorial would be a bust cast
in bronze by a master. Copies could then be made of alabaster, of
which, I am sure, every college of pharmacy at least would want one
to place in its halls. Nothing in the way of a memorial would be
more classic and nothing would serve the purposes of a memorial
better, in my opinion. Frederick J. Wulling.

Dear Sir : — Your esteemed favor of the 7th inst. was received at
Detroit during my somewhat prolonged absence from the city,
hence this tardy reply.

I favor the project of a properly executed monument to Prof.
William Procter, Jr., in the form of a statue to be erected in some
central or metropolitan city. My own choice would be Washington.
The Capital is visited more extensively by travellers than is per-
haps any one city in the United States, barring New York, and it.
abounds in beautiful statues and works of art, dedicated to the
heroes of war, science and literature. The monument to Procter
should be chosen with a view to its effect, not on the professional,
but on the public mind — such an effect as is produced by the strik-
ing statue of Gross, which commands the entrance to the Army^
Medical Museum at Washington. At the present time compara-
tively few, even among the educated laymen, realize that pharmacy
has produced its fair share of great and eminent men. A beautiful
statue of Procter, suitably placed, would help to dispel the error.

Joseph Helfman.

Am. Jour. Pharm. r
March, 1901. J

Correspondence.

137

Dear Sir : — I have received your kind favor of the 9th inst., and
I am very sorry that I did not read the editorial of last November
in your esteemed Journal. However, I have read the replies pub-
lished in your February Journal.

If William Procter, Jr., the father of American pharmacy, is to be
commemorated in a befitting manner, by all means let it be a life-
size statue of purest Carrara marble. And place the statue in the
most conspicuous place in the country. Place it in company with
the other great men of our country, whose marble statues adorn
Monument Hall in the Capitol, at Washington. This would be my
first choice.

As my second choice, the Procter Memorial Laboratory, at
Washington, D. C, would be splendid, indeed. (Not the choice,
but the laboratory.) It was a little difficult to decide first and
second.

Certainly, Philadelphia has first claims on her illustrious son, but
since he is a national figure, his monument should stand where the
monuments of the most illustrious sons ot the nation stand, and
that is Washington. G. H. Chas. Klie.

Dear Sir: — The suggestion of Mr. Arny is precisely that which
I have had in mind. No doubt the endowment of a scholarship
would be an appropriate memorial to the " Father of American
Pharmacy," but gifts would not be as freely made to a scholarship
connected with any particular school as they would to something
in which all sections alike would feel that they had equal share.

A research laboratory is the pressing need to-day of our profes-
sion. It will cost money to build and equip such a laboratory. It
seems to me that the money can be raised in no easier way than in
connection with a memorial to Wm. Procter.

I believe that the laboratory may be made self-supporting from
the beginning. We have at present no means of procuring such
drugs as belladonna of standard strength. The consumers of such
drugs would willingly pay half a cent a pound lor an article
accompanied with a guaranteed assay. The laboratory could
furnish such certified assays for one-half that amount, so that there
would be a profit to the laboratory and to the dealer. One would
suppose that all pharmacists would prefer the assayed drugs and
willingly pay the higher price for them. With more strict require-

138

Correspondence.

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
1 March, 1901.

ments such as the new Pharmacopoeia will no doubt lay down,
many will be compelled by State laws to buy the assayed drugs or
else themselves assay all they buy.

The stamp of the Procter Memorial Laboratory would thus come
immediately to be recognized as authoritative in connection with
commercial values. Manufacturers would quickly grasp the idea
that the value of their products might be also enhanced by a simi-
lar stamp of endorsement, if it should be thought wise to offer it.

In any case, I believe that it would be not too much to require
that every proposed new pharmaceutical should be submitted for
approval to the Memorial Laboratory, which should refuse to give
countenance to anything not exactly what it was represented to be,
and should moreover withhold approval from anything whose bona
fide formula was withheld.

It would be expected that the Pharmacopoeial Revision Com-
mittee would receive substantial assistance in its work by such a
research laboratory, reasonable compensation being made of course
for necessary expert work.

While Washington would be the ideal place for the Memorial
Laboratory, it seems to me that on business considerations New
York would have first claim on it. This with other details of the
project may well be left open for discussion, but in my judgment a
research laboratory would be the most fitting tribute we could pos-
sibly render to the memory of Professor Procter.

A. B.Lyons.

Dear Sir: — Replying to yours of February 6th, I would say that
I look upon the different plans submitted for a Procter memorial
this way :

I would be decidedly in favor of a " research laboratory," pro-
vided a fund of not less than $200,000 would be raised. This, I
am afraid, cannot be done.

I do not like the idea of a " scholarship," because it would
be extremely difficult to select the most deserving men from
the many applicants scattered through the whole United States.
Scholarships should be attached to individual institutions, but I take
it for granted that it is the general opinion to make this memorial
one of national character.

To place a " monument," such as a bronze statue of Procter, in
some public and well-chosen locality would be highly appropriate.

Am. Jour. Pharm.l
March, 1901. J

Correspondence.

139

Yet, of all plans submitted, I favor most the proposition of Dr.
Fr. Hoffmann, to fourtd a memorial medal " to be granted in
recognition of superior discoveries or literary accomplishments in
the domains of theoretical and applied pharmaceutical sciences and
' arts."

I am also in favor of Dr. Hoffmann's plan to make this prize
medal a memorial for both Procter and Squibb, naming it the
" Procter-Squibb memorial prize medal."

I am inclined to think that both these men, if their opinion could
be learned, would much prefer to have their names and memory
perpetuated in this form, than to have monuments erected in their
honor.

While these are my personal views, I desire to say that whatever
may be done to do homage to the memory of our really great men
will find my most hearty support. W. Simon.

Dear Sir: — I am in hearty sympathy with the movement to es-
tablish a Procter memorial as the climax of any celebration of the
fiftieth anniversary of the A.Ph.A. Our Association now has a
considerable fund, which was made secure a few years ago for the
purpose of husbanding it for the purpose of research. With this
as a nucleus it ought to be possible to erect at Washington a credit-
able building devoted to research, on condition that the government
maintain it and support its officers. Besides having a staff of
government scientists representing the principal branches of phar-
maceutical science, including pharmacology, such a building could
be made the home of the U.S.P. Revision Committee. One labo-
ratory in such a building might be dedicated to Procter, another to
Squibb, etc.

To have a bust made of Professor Procter, or a portrait painted or
any other expression of appreciation of Professor Procter's services
is a duty which the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and its
alumni owe their teacher, and in which they certainly do not need
the assistance of others. A statue seems out of the question, and
of pharmaceutical medals we possibly have sufficient. As a nation
we cannot honor Procter or Squibb, or both, more than by the erec-
tion of a research laboratory devoted to solving problems which the
Revision Committee must so largely leave unsolved.

Since writing the above suggestion, I see that Professor Amy has

140 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. { Am^irc££oiarm*

made a similar one. I heartily second his suggestion, with the
proviso that the American Pharmaceutical Association erect the
building and turn it over to the government on co?idition that the
U. S. Government pledge itself to properly support it. The co-opera-
tion of the government seems to me of the greatest importance.

Edward Kremers.

RECENT LITERATURE RELATING TO PHARMACY.

WEST INDIAN SANDAL OIL.

The plant Amyris balsamifera yields ah oil entering commerce as
named above. This oil has specific gravity -962, is dextrogyre and
fractionates with six portions, the first fraction distilling in vacuo at
I39°-I47° C. and the sixth at 1700 -174° C. The second and
fourth fractions are most abundant, and the two analyze to C15H24 and
C^H^HoO respectively. The oil yields with halogen acids a series
of derivatives, the chlorine derivative (yield 17 per cent.) being
identical with cadinene dihydrochloride, C15H242HCl, and the other
halogen derivatives being analogous cadinene compounds. — E. Daus-
sen, Arch. Ph., 1900, 144. H. V. Arny.

SANDALWOOD OIL.

The oil of Santalum album, examined by M. Guerbet (J. de Ph.
et Ch.y 1900, 225), has specific gravity 0-9867 and had specific rotat-
ing power — 2i-i6°. Saponification separated from it 3 percent,
of the following acids : Formic, acetic, santalic and teresantalic, all
found in the oils as esters. Santalic acid, C15H2402, is a viscid, color-
less liquid boiling at 2io°-2i2° C. under 20 millimetres pressure,
insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, and is so feebly acid that
it can be freed from its salts by C02. Teresantalic acid, C10H14O2,
occurs in large colorless prismatic crystals melting at 15 7° C, and
forms crystalline salts. The unsaponifiable portion of the oil
yielded, on repeated fractional distillation, 6 per cent, of sesquiter-
penes, santalenes a and /? respectively, the former boiling at 25 2°
C, the latter at 28 1°. Both are lsevogyre. Also two alcohols, san-
talol a and /9, 80 per cent., the study of which is not complete.
Lastly, there was obtained from the oil by precipitation with semi-
carbazid hydrochlorate 3 per cent, of an aldehyde, santalol, C15H240,
a colorless liquid of peppery odor, boiling at 1800 C. under 40

A%?a°rchj9oirm'} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 141

millimetres pressure, and forming a crystalline semicarbazone,
melting at 21 2° C. On oxidation with chromic acid the aldehyde
yielded santalic acid. H. V. A.

THE CHARACTER OF DROPS.

An interesting contribution to this subject is an article by F.
Eschbaum [Ber. Dtsch. Ph. Ges., 1900, 91). He gives table of
weights of drops of almost every kind of liquid, and from his
experiments has deduced the following equations :

(1) To secure uniform drops it is necessary that the liquid drop
from a spherical surface of estimated radius. He shows that the in-
fluence of the surface of the vessel from which the liquid is dropped
comes from the readiness of this surface to form a curved segment
of liquid, which the investigators call the meniscus of the drop.
This aggregation of liquid continues to collect on the dropping sur-
face of the container until its adhesive power is overcome by the
force of gravitation, hence the actual formation of the drop is solely
influenced by cohesion and gravitating force. For instance, he
finds that, taking two tubes of the same calibre, one of which is
very thin walled, the thicker the wall, the larger the drop; in other
words, the outer circumference of the dropping surface is the sole
determinant of the size of the drop. This continues with in-
creased circumference of tube until the maximum of a drop
of water is attained. This maximum drop he finds weighs 0-2330
grammes.

(2) The weight of a drop of a mixture of two liquids is always
between the weight of its two components.

(3) The weight of a drop of a solution of a solid body, such as
salts, bases, acids, extractive matter, and also of a solution of a gas,
is practically the same as that of its solvent. In this connection the
writer discovered an interesting fact, that, usually, the weight of a
drop of a saturated solution of a salt is less than that of a drop of
water.

(4) That the rapidity of dropping from the same container, or
variation in temperature during dropping, while exerting a certain
influence, is not sufficient to be considered in practical work.

(5) The size of a drop varies according as the liquid is dropped
from a full bottle or from one partially full.

Dropped from a tube of diameter 6 63 millimetres, measured from

142 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. {AB£h; fgou™"

one outer edge to the other, a drop of water weighed 01 gramme ;
a drop of alcohol, specific gravity 0-831, weighed 0033 gramme;
one drop of ether weighed 0-0238 ; one drop of chloroform weighed
00376 gramme. H. V. A.

KOLA NUT.

At a recent meeting of the German Pharmaceutical Society, the
kola tree and its fruit were discussed from two standpoints by K.
Schumann and by L. Bernegan. From the mass of detail the fol-
lowing facts were gleaned :

The fruit of kola weigh as much as 2 kilos, and since a large
number of fruits are produced by one tree, its branches would be
subjected to much pressure were it not for a provision of nature,
namely, from the trunk spring many of the flowers (Cauliflorie), thus
throwing much of the burden on the sturdy trunk. The flowers are
of two kinds, in both of which the petals are missing, the calyx as-
suming a pink color which attracts fertilizing insects. The flowers
are very odorous (vanillin-like), while the fruit smells like the Mare-
chal Neil rose. Within the pulpy fruit four to eight seeds or nuts
are found. These nuts are used by native Africans only when fresh,
and large quantities are sent to the Brazilian negroes, who likewise
insist on receiving undried nuts. Accordingly, they are exported to
Brazil carefully packed in leaves of Cola cordifolia, and by this
means the seeds can be kept four weeks. The price of the nuts
ascends in proportion to distance from place of collection ; for in-
stance, at place of collection in Ashanti, 2,000 nuts cost 6
marks ; in Salaga they cost 30 marks, while in Bahia, Brazil, the
same quantity costs 400 to 600 marks.

The tree grows sometimes 15 metres high, begins bearing fruit
in its eighth year, and bears fifty years. The wood of the branches
is used by the negroes for cleaning teeth, while a decoction of young
branches is used as a gargle by the negro children. — Ber. Dtsch. Ph.
Ges.y 1900, 67. H. V. A.

PURIFICATION OF WATER.

Water can be freed of bacteria by means of minute quantities of
the halogen elements, and a study of this is reported by F. Malme-
jac (J. Ph. et Ch , 1900, 364). To successive quantities of very im-
pure water, chlorine, bromine and iodine were added, each in pro-
portion of o-i milligramme to the litre. The reagent was allowed

AnMi?ch',iP9oiarm'} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 143

to act half an hour and the excess removed with sodium thiosul-
phate. Comparison of the purified waters with the impure sample
showed that, while the purification effected little change in the
amount of organic matter tested with permanganate, ranging from
4*4 milligrammes per litre in the impure to 3 2 in that purified with
chlorine, and also slight alteration in the amount of ammonia, rang,
ing from 0-24 milligrammes per litre in the impure to 016 in the
chlorinated, the destruction of bacteria was most notable, the
amount in the original water counted on nutritive gelatin after
eight days being 17,500 (in what quantity? — Ed.) ; in chlorine puri-
fied water, 300; in bromine purified water, 190, and in iodine, only 90.
The writer thus gives preference to alcoholic solution of iodine as a
purifier. Attention is called to the fact that all the water examined
developed oxygen on standing, the impure original having 9-6
milligrammes per litre after one day and 12-6 milligrammes after
twenty days; the chlorinated, 1 r6 milligrammes after one day and
15-3 milligrammes after twenty days. These represent the extremes.

H. V. A.

THYMOTAL.

A new remedy against Anchylostomum duodenale.

Thymol is known for its antiseptic properties. It is therefore
administered, internally, especially against that dangerous parasite,
the Anchylostominn duodenale^ when Ext. Filicis mas aether, Pellie-
tierin, Kamala et t. g. fail.

Anchylostomum duodenale is one of the special plagues of warm countries,
especially of Italy. Italians spread it sometimes. Frequently it becomes of
an epidemic character. It is one of the causes of chlorosis, and can become
fatal, under certain circumstances. The "worm " reaches a length of 18 milli-
metres. The sexes are separate. West India is especially infested with it.
How well it 7s provided for its deadly work can be judged from a drawing
made by Professor I/euckardt, reproduced in " Practisch wichtige microsco-
pische Objecten," page 298 of Hager-Mez' "Das Microscop," Berlin, Julius
Springer, 1899.

The administration of thymol has bad after-effects ; it causes
dizziness, intoxication, nausea.

Applying the same process whereby guajacol loses its strongly
aromatic and burning taste, becomes tasteless, but preserves its
medical properties, e. g., converting it into a carbonate.1 Mr. J. F.

J E. Schmidt, " Ausf. Lehrb. d. Pharm. Ch.," II, page 938.

144 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. { An&5££; Sjfrm-

Pohl, apothecary at Paramaribo, states that he succeeded in con-
verting thymol into thymol carbonate, a nearly tasteless, colorless,
crystalline compound, varying but little in its melting point from
thymol (thymol, 5o°-5i°; thymol carbonate, 490 ; details were not
given as to how this estimation was made), but considerable in its
boiling-point (thymol, 2300; thymol carbonate, "over" 4000).

This new remedy is not dissolved in the stomach ; causes, there-
fore, no dizziness nor nausea, and is very effective against those in-
testinal pests where Ext. Filix mas. cannot be taken.

We regret to state that Mr. Pohl has added to our already un-
bearable burden of new remedial names another name ; has put a
mysterious shroud around it and called the compound thymotal,
wherefore he cannot show a good cause of doing this.

The remedy has the usual support of half a dozen doctors.

J. B. Nagelvoort.

THEOBROMA CACAO.

Th. Peckolt's " Medicinal and Useful Plants of Brazil," which
appeared in the Berichte der deutschen Pharmaceutische Gesell-
schafi, opens a new chapter in botanical materia medica, and
it is to be hoped that the articles will be gathered into one
volume.

From the closing article the following data on Theobroma Cacao
is gleaned :

The seeds were not used by the native Brazilians until after the
advent of the Europeans, the natives employing only the sweetish
pulp, from which they fermented a beverage. Since the seeds were
used by the Mexicans and Peruvians from primeval days, there is
evidently no ethnological connection between the west coast Indians
and those of Brazil.

The tree is considerably cultivated at the present time, for, by
reason of the low price brought by coffee and the expense of its
culture, many planters are turning to cacao, 600 trees on a hectare
(2.y2 acres) of ground bearing, after five years, 4,500 to 4,800 kilos
dried seed each year. The frequency of crop and size of seed de-
pend on climatic conditions, in hot places two crops a year being
the rule. In Cantagallo the average fruit weighed 220 grammes
and yielded 27-5 grammes dried seed; while in Rio — a warmer
place — the fruit averaged 330 grammes, divided as follows: Rind,

AmMareh,Pi^m"} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 145

204 grammes ; pulp, 36 grammes ; seed, 90 grammes, which dried
to 48-6 grammes.

The rind yielded tat, resin, albumen, tannin, glucose, mucilage (4
per cent.), water (81 per cent.), ash (2 per cent.) and theobromine
(0-6 per cent.).

The mucilage makes the rind a valuable substitute for ground
flaxseed, which spoils very quickly in Brazil. It is also of use as
fodder.

The pulp contains tartaric acid (1 per cent.), glucose (3-8 per
•cent.), albumen (0*5 per cent.), mucilage (1 per cent.), pectin and
extractive (7 per cent.), ash (1 per cent.). The alcoholic liquor pro-
duced from it is very palatable and ferments to a good vinegar.

The fresh seeds contain water (46 per cent.), fat (17 per cent.),
theobromine (0-2 percent.) and ash (1-25 per cent.).

The fresh leaves contain water, fatty oil, resin, theobromine (0-07
per cent.), tannin, extractive and 0*2 per cent, of a substance tasting
like glycyrrhizin and resembling it in analytical reactions.

H. V. A.

FORMATION OF CINCHONA ALKALOIDS.

Believing that the alkaloids were developed in the leaves, just as
is starch, Dr. J. P. Lotsy experimented at the Java governmental
•cinchona plantations as follows : Leaves were divided at the midrib,
the half with midrib being either left on tree or immersed in water,
the two halves being assayed at different times, control experiments
having shown that the two halves of the same leaf, examined at the
same time, yielded approximately the same amount alkaloids. In
some cases the half first examined was rich in alkaloids, while the
half left on the tree was, within twelve hours, free from alkaloids.
That this disappearance was due to migration of the alkaloids into
the bark and not to dissociation of same by leaf processes was shown
by the fact that, if the remaining half were removed from tree, the
diminution of alkaloidal strength was never observed ; but, on the
contrary, a leaf originally free from alkaloids developed same on
exposure to light after being removed from tree. This is of im-
portance, because, while some experiments showed the emptying of
alkaloids from a leaf within twelve hours, in other cases, twelve
hours after the first half showed no alkaloids, the second half
yielded a considerable quantity.

146 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. {AmMirch,i9oi.rm'

The percentage of alkaloids in young succirubra leaves is ten
times greater than that of the old leaves, but the actual amount in
each leaf is not as great. The average tree, having 10,000 leaves
weighing about 5 kilos when dried and yielding about ^ per cent,
alkaloids a day, produces about 2 kilos of alkaloids a year (5
grammes a day), a quantity much greater than that obtained each
year from the bark of an average tree. This shows the leaves fully
capable of producing all the alkaloids we find. The excess in for-
mation is easily accounted for: (1) The leaves are never com-
pletely emptied each day. (2) The unfavorable weather reduces
alkaloidal output.

The theory of leaf formation of alkaloids is strengthened by the
facts that the petioles are richer in alkaloids than the blade, that
the branch bark contains more than the trunk bark, that the root
bark is practically free from alkaloids. The leaves, however, con-
tain no crystalline alkaloids, hence no quinine. This is explained
by saying that the leaves produce a fundamental and soluble alka-
loidal base, which is elaborated into the true alkaloids when being
stored in the bark. — Bet. dtsch. Ph. Ges., 1900, 124.

H. V. A.

ASSAY OF VOLATILE OIL IN AROMATICS.

Distil an alcoholic percolate of the drug with steam, taking care
that distillate represents an aliquot part of the drug. Place 100 c.c..
of this distillate, to which a few drops of diluted sulphuric acid is
added, and which must not contain more than 50 per cent, of alco-
hol, in a special flask, having a lower bulb of 95 c.c. capacity
connected by a narrow neck, graduated from 98 c.c. to 100 c.c. in
fractions of 05 c.c, to a second bulb holding 25 c.c. up to its neck,
which in turn connects with a third bulb of value in agitation. The
liquid in the flask is cooled in water to exactly 200 C. and an exact
reading is taken, after which petroleum ether (sp.gr. 0 640 to 067 o)>
of same temperature is added up to the 125 c.c. mark. In this
way the flask contains two distinct layers of liquid, say the aqueous
up to 100 c.c. and the benzin up to 125 c.c. The mixture is
vigorously shaken five minutes and then allowed to cool to 200 C,
when it is noticed that the oil formerly present in the aqueous layer
has been absorbed by the benzin, increasing volume of the latter
the amount of oil present, as proven by experiments of the author.
— Dr. Neuman Wender, Ph. Post, 1900, 344. H. V. A.

ADMJa°rUch^9oi!'m'} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 147

THE ETHER TEST FOR SCAMMONY.

Of two consignments of the same scammony sent from Beyrouth
in Syria — one to Germany, the other to France — the former was re-
turned as not standing the ether solubility test of the pharma-
copoeia, while the French specimen was found perfectly satisfactory.
This led P. Guigues de Ch. et Ph., 1900, 529) to investigate, and
he found the cause of the contradictory reports in the variable
quality of commercial ether ; even that labelled "pure." He finds
many of the most reliable ethers contain water, even to 160 per
cent., and the slightest trace renders scammony insoluble. Most
contain alcohol, which renders the resin easily soluble even when
water is present in the solvent. Another curious point is that in
some cases the resin dissolves freely in a certain quantity of ether
and precipitates when excess of the solvent is added. From these
several facts the writer concluded that the test should be carefully
studied and revised, with special reference to quality and quantity
of the ether employed. H. V. A.

PHENYLHYDRAZINE REACTION FOR URINE.

The difficulties of above test, which is most valuable for detect-
ing minute quantities of urine, can be obviated as follows: Put in
ordinary test-tube equal amounts (about size of a pea) of phenyl-
hydrazin, HQ, and crystallized sodium acetate. Fill tube with the
urine and cork, not allowing finger to come in contact with the
phenylhydrazin, which is a dangerous poison to the blood. Shake
the mixture till the salts are dissolved, then remove stopper, place
tube in boiling water, immediately removing flame. Allow the test-
tube to remain in the water till completely cold, preferably over
night ; then remove precipitate with pipette and examine micro-
scopically. The crystals rarely appear as striking as pictured in the
books, but the presence of sugar can be safely established if the
precipitate is intensely yellow and crystalline. By this means 001
per cent, sugar can be detected. Practice is essential to diagnosis,
hence the beginner is urged to first experiment with urine to which
glucose has been added.— Dr. F. Eschbaum, Schw. Woch. f. Ch.
und Ph , 1900, 214. H. V. A.

i48

Editorial.

J Am. Jour. Pharm.
I March, 1901.

EDITORIAL.

PARLIAMENTARY LAW IN ASSOCIATIONS.

At the different association meetings there are many members
who are more anxious for the good of their professions than are
conversant with parliamentary law. The result is that when the pre.
siding officer is more or less familiar with the law and anxious to
carry out the law these members who are making motions and
amendments contrary to such laws sometimes find that they are
declared to be out of order; and hence are inclined to consider
such rulings to be unjust and not in accord with the good of the
cause they are expounding.

There are very few presiding officers of professional bodies who
are thoroughly conversant with parliamentary law and able to carry
on a meeting in the proper way. This arises because the presiding
officers are usually selected on account of their scientific or literary
attainments — as they undoubtedly should be — and not' because of
their being good parliamentarians. It is true that, as a rule, at the
meetings of professional bodies no serious difficulties confront the
chair. However, difficulties do arise and chairmen sometimes lose
their heads, and things are sometimes said and done which are un-
wise and unfortunate, but which fortunately are usually expunged
from the records and not published.

Observations on the actions of various bodies show that each
body should have a presiding officer to direct its business affairs
who is familiar not only with the needs of the body, but who is
also a good parliamentarian. Professor Lloyd, when President of the
American Pharmaceutical Association (Proceedings, 1888, p. 15),
made the following recommendation, which is deserving the consid-
eration of all associations, as it would tend unquestionably to
facilitate the business of the organizations and permit the ablest
men to be selected for the most honorable positions of these asso-
ciations, and who are not then burdened with the difficulties of pre-
siding at all the meetings.

Professor Lloyd says : " Sometimes it may be desirable to elect as
your president a man totally inadequate in the direction of parlia-
mentary tactics, and of little value as a presiding officer. What-
ever good reason may induce such a selection, I think that it will
not be disputed that it is necessary to always have an accomplished

A.m. Jour. Pharm. \
March, J 901. /

Editorial.

149

parliamentarian as presiding officer, in order to facilitate the work
of the organization. I can refer to this matter graciously, for I re-
flect my own shortcomings in doing so. The good judgment of
this Association wisely associated with me a superior parliamen-
tarian, capable, willing, obliging, and I thank you for the considera-
tion shown me; but especially am I indebted to this gentleman,
Mr. M. W. Alexander, who has so discreetly and acceptably con-
ducted your meetings.

" I believe that it would be well to honor such men and serve
yourselves by extending them lengthened positions in presiding
over us, and create in our body a new office, a presiding chairman,
who can both preside over the general meeting and fill vacancies in
the absence of the chairmen of the sections.

"The President elected by reason of a special fitness for other
labors will then have time to attend to his peculiar duties; he may
appoint committees, etc., etc., during your meetings without the
distractions attending the chairmanship; the conducting officer,
elected by you at stated periods because he is really capable of
being a parliamentarian, will conduct your deliberations in a proper
manner. He will become acquainted with faces, names and meth-
ods, and facilitate the order of your meetings. # * *• #
I will admit that some of our Presidents are capable parliamentari-
ans, but it is sometimes desirable to elect men without such accom-
plishments. In support of this opinion, since writing this section,
I have reviewed an editorial article by Dr. Fred. Hoffmann on the
subject in the Pharm aceutische Rundschau (September, 1885), and
extract the following sentence: 'A thorough familiarity with the
subject matters of the deliberations, and the rare gift of wise tact, of
quick and good judgment, and of energy, are requisites for manag-
ing large conventions with success.' If men with these talents and
ability, and with comprehensive knowledge, can be placed, or have
been found, at the helm of the association,, it certainly would be
conducive to the best interests and efficiency of its annual meetings
to retain them. If it is not considered advisable to add this new
officer, I strongly urge that the Vice-Presidents be selected for the
purpose of filling this position, and that the President-elect be re-
lieved from the detail work of conducting the meeting, giving his
entire attention to the real work of his office."

The mode of procedure in selecting the presiding officers in the

Reviews.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
I Marcb,190l.

American Association for the Advancement of Science is one
which commends itself to all professional organizations, as it tends
to relieve the President of performing more than one series of du-
ties each year. The President is elected at one meeting, presides
at the following meeting and delivers his presidential address the
next succeeding year. This, however, does not do away with the
necessity of his presiding at one of the meetings, and, should he not
be a parliamentarian or desire to qualify himself as such, places him
in an unpleasant position.

REVIEWS AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

Proceedings of the American Pharmaceutical Association at
the forty-eighth annual meeting, held at Richmond, Va., May,
1900. Baltimore: 1900.

A succinct account of the Richmond meeting of the American
Pharmaceutical Association has already been given the readers of this
Journal (see Vol. LXXII, p. 291). The full account of the meet-
ing, with papers and discussions as well as a number of addresses, is
given in 344 pages of the proceedings just published. In 517 pages
is given the report on the progress of pharmacy, from July i, 1899,
to June 30, 1900. The remainder of the proceedings is devoted to
a list of members, constitution and by-laws and other matters ot
interest to members. There are few, if any, associations in which the
members receive greater value from their membership than that of
the American Pharmaceutical Association. From the viewpoint
of a business transaction, it is one of the best investments the
apothecary can make.

Inorganic General Medical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
Theoretical and Practical. A Text-Book and Laboratory Manual,
containing Theoretical, Descriptive and Technological Chemistry ;
Class Exercises in Chemical Equations and Mathematics ; and Prac-
tical Manufacturing Processes for Five Hundred Chemical Prepara-
tions, with Explanatory Notes. By Oscar Oldberg. In two
volumes. Chicago: Chicago Medical Book Company. 1900.

For the student who desires to get at the fundamental principles
underlying theoretical chemistry, the work of Professor Oldberg
will be a decided help. The language is succinct, clear and ta

Am. Jour. Pharm. ) Rp<7np<79)<; t £ T

March, 1901. / I^evieiVS. I5I

the point. The author treats well of such important subjects as
the atomic theory; chemical polarity ; the relative intensity of the
chemical energy of different elements ; atomic valence ; chemical
notation and nomenclature ; the laws and conditions which domi-
nate the course of chemical reactions ; oxidation and reduction ;
the periodicity of 'the properties of the elements; the intimate
relations of all these to each other and to atomic mass ; and their
bearings upon the practical problems of chemical work. There are
also included adequate instruction, rules and examples, designed to
enable the student to fully master the all-important practical uses
of chemical equations and mathematics, seven chapters being de-
moted to these subjects.

Volume I is divided into three parts and includes chapters on the
following subjects: Part I. Elementary Theoretical Chemistry: (i)
Introductory, Some Common Kinds of Matter; (2) Atoms, Mole-
cules and Chemism ; (3) Preliminary Experiments Showing Physical
Signs of Chemical Action ; (4) The Chemical Elements ; (5) The
Law of Definite Combining Proportions and the Atomic Theory ;
(6) Chemical Polarity ; (7) The Relative Intensity of the Chemical
Energy of the Elements ; (8) Atomic Valence ; (9) Atomic Polarity-
Value ; (10) Chemical Notation; (n) Chemical Nomenclature; (12)
Classification of Chemical Compounds — Binary Compounds; (13)
Hydroxides, Acids and Bases; (14) Salts; (15) The Relations of
Oxides, Acids, Bases and Salts to Each Other; (16) Structure of the
Metallic Oxygen-Salts of the Common Acids; (17) Chemical Re-
actions; (18) Oxidation and Reduction; (19) The Forces and
Conditions which Dominate the Course of Chemical Reactions ; (20)
How to Write and Balance Ordinary Chemical Equations; (21)
How to Balance Equations Representing Reactions of Oxidation
and Reduction; (22, 23, 24) Examples in Oxidation and Reduction;
(25) Atomic Polarity- Value as an Aid to the Verification of the
Structure of Molecules ; (26) The Periodicity of Properties of the
Elements ; (27) A Recapitulation of Fundamental Facts, Definitions
and Hypotheses.

Part IT. Elementary Descriptive Chemistry : (28) Order of
Study of the Elements and their Compounds ; (29-67) The Ele-
ments and their Compounds, including the Ammonium Compounds
and Metallic Salts of the Organic Acids. Part III. (68, 69)
Stoechiometry.

152 Reviews. { A ViS. ?9o?.r ^

The contents of the second volume include:

Part I. General Principles and Methods Applicable in the Pro-
duction of Inorganic Chemical Preparations: (i) Choice of Methods
and Materials; (2) Crushing and Powdering; (3) Dry Chemical
Processes; (4) Solution : Its Nature, Causes and Effects; (5) Sol-
vents, Solubility, Solutions ; (6) The Clarification of Liquids^
Strainers, Presses, Filtration ; (7) Evaporation ; (8) Distillation ; (9)
Crystals and Crystallization; (10) Crystallizations from Solutions ;
(11) Dialysis; (12) Precipitation; (13) Chemical Solution, Wet
Oxidation, Wet Gas Operations; (14) Uses of Unfinished Products;
Purification of Crude Chemicals. What to do with Damaged Pro-
ducts. Profitable Chemical Work; (15) The Preservation of Medi-
cinal Substances; (16) Solubilities of Chemical Compounds in
Water and in Alcohol ; (17) The Densities of Solids and Liquids.
The Mohr.Westphal Balance ; Hydrometers ; Pycnometers, etc. ;
(1 8) Rules for Making Solutions of any Given Strength, and for
Diluting, Fortifying and Mixing; (19) Laboratory Furniture and
Apparatus ; (20) Laboratory Rules and Precautions ; What to do-
in Accidents ; How to Clean Apparatus. Part II. Laboratory
Manual of Inorganic Chemical Preparations: Introductory; Weights
and Measures; Water; Acids; Other Preparations ; Tables; Index.

The chapters on Chemical Polarity, Atomic Valence and Atomic
Polarity- Value, in Book I, are particularly valuable. The applica-
tion of atomic valence in balancing equations is of great value, par-
ticularly in the consideration of oxidation equations. It is doubtful
if there are any formulae or reactions which are not in agreement
with the doctrine that no atom can gain increased combining value
except at the expense of some other atom or atoms and that the
gain and the loss exactly balance each other. The consideration
of the nature of atoms underlies the whole superstructure of prac-
tical chemistry. Part I is based on the most advanced chemical
theories, and the author has wisely devoted over 300 pages in the
consideration of the fundamental matters connected with theoretical
chemistry. The remainder of Part I is given to the consideration
of the elements and the stoechiometry of inorganic chemistry.
Volume II is devoted to the consideration of actual laboratory
operations in the production of inorganic chemicals and the making
of 500 inorganic chemical preparations. The author has shown an
assimilation of the subject matter and an originality of treatment

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
March, 1901. /

Reviews.

153

that is pleasing, and there can be no question but that students,
investigators and manufacturers will find that these volumes contain
just such information as is frequently lacking in many of the text
and reference books on this subject.

King's American Dispensatory. New edition. Entirely re-
written and enlarged. By Harvey W. Felter and John Uri Lloyd.
Two-volume edition, royal octavo, containing together 2,284 pages,
including complete indices. Cloth, $4.50 per volume, postpaid.
t Sheep, $5 per volume, postpaid. The Ohio Valley Company,
publishers, Cincinnati, O.

Volume I of this work appeared in 1898 and a brief mention of
it was made in this Journal, 1898, p. 580. Volume I includes
substances from A-G and contains 904 pages. Volume II includes
substances from G-Z inclusive and contains 1,267 pages. Volume
II is an improvement over Volume I in editorial work as well as in
the use of paper and typographical work. The treatment of the
eclectic materia medica is the best part of the book, and it is in this
particular field that the work is a valuable contribution to materia
medica. The student and investigator who is anxious to know
more about the possibilities of the cultivation of medicinal plants in
America will find numerous valuable hints, as under podophyllum :
" May-apple is hardy and will thrive in fence corners of cultivated
fields, often resisting the advances of agricultural improvements,
when other common fence-weeds have been exterminated. It is
not, as is the case with many other valuable medicinal plants, likely
to be soon eradicated." Under hydrastis we read : " With hydrastis,
however, the opposite is true ; the plant disappears as soon as the
ground is disturbed by the settler." There are many things re-
corded that one would have difficulty in ascertaining, as literature
" is so scattered and references become more and more difficult to
look up. The new edition of King's Dispensatory will be much
appreciated by those who have been anxiously waiting its appear-
ance and it will prove a valuable adjunct to the reference library
of the physician and pharmacist.

Cinchona Barks of the New York Market was the subject of a paper
by J. H. Stallman at an evening meeting at the College of Pharmacy of the
city of New York on January 15th. The paper was discussed by Professor H.
H. Rushy, well known for his studies on cinchona, coca and other vegetable
drugs, and Adolph Henning.

154

Pharmaceutical Meeting.

( A.m. Jour. Pharm.
1 March, 1901.

PHARMACEUTICAL MEETING.

The fifth of the series of pharmaceutical meetings of the Phila-
delphia College of Pharmacy for 1900-1901 was held Tuesday,
February 19th. Theodore Campbell, a local pharmacist and a
member of the College, presided.

The first speaker was Dr. Wm. C. Alpers, of New York City,
who is well known for his active interest in pharmaceutical matters
in general. Before taking up the main topic of his paper, Dr. .
Alpers said, in referring to the oft-repeated statement that pharmacy
is not in a satisfactory condition, that if any advancement is to be
made, the impetus must come from the colleges of pharmacy. He
therefore urged the students who were present to strive to make
the most of their opportunities while in college and to strive for
high ideals. He said that there is something greater than pennies,
that knowledge is a greater and nobler capital than dollars and
cents. It is a capital which neither sickness nor misfortune can
take away. He said he had little respect for the man who stoops
to the gutter to find a penny, but high regard for the man who
looks up to the stars for his ideals.

• Then taking up the subject of his paper, which was entitled
" Remarks on a New Cold Cream and Other Ointments," the
speaker gave a practical demonstration ot his method of procedure
(see page 117). One point which was brought out by the speaker
and which he especially emphasized was that of using chemical
thermometers for operations requiring heat, this being a point that
is too often neglected by pharmacists.

In reply to a question by Wallace Procter as to whether cold
cream made by the proposed formula retains the water better than
the official ointment, Dr. Alpers said that, so far as his knowledge "
went, it did, his experience having been with samples only a year
old, which as pointed out had kept perfectly.

F. W. E. Stedem said that his only criticism on the official cold
cream was the presence of borax, which interfered with its use as
a basis for mercurial salts.

E. M. Boring also remarked upon this point and said that he
invariably omitted the borax. His method of procedure is to melt
together the spermaceti, white wax and expressed oil of almond,
and to allow to cool over night, the rose water being incorporated

AmkJa0rch,f9ho?.rm'} Pharmaceutical Meeting. 155

the next day. Mr. Boring also said that he endeavored to keep his
ointments in a cool place in summer and that he did not experience
much difficulty in keeping them. Continuing his remarks, Mr. Bor-
ing said that until comparatively recently paraffin had not been
favorably considered as a basis for ointments containing active
ingredients, but that Wilbert had shown that by incorporating a
considerable portion of water with the ointment base this difficulty
was overcome. This point, he said, took his memory back to war
times when the Government rejected a considerable quantity of
paraffin on account of its rancidity.

Remarking on this point, Dr. Alpers said that of course it must
be borne in mind that a much purer article is obtainable now.

With regard to the presence of borax in the formula proposed by
him, Dr. Alpers said it was desirable to retain it, as it assisted in
the mixing of the two solutions and also added to the appearance
of the finished preparation.

Mr. Campbell said that he had been using a formula somewhat
similar to the one given by Mr. Alpers and that it yielded a satis,
factory preparation.

M. I. Wilbert read a paper on " Oxygenated Petrolatum," and
gave a practical demonstration of its mode of preparation. In the
first step certain proportions of paraffin oil and oleic acid are mixed
together, the resultant solution being of a cloudy appearance;
and to this, spirit of ammonia is added when the solution clears up.
This solution acts as a solvent for many medicinal substances such
as camphor, salol, phenol, creosote, ichthyol, etc., and is especially
adapted for use in liniments. It furnishes an ideal solvent for iodine,
as it prevents the iodine from evaporating, also facilitates its absorp-
tion, and may be applied several times a day without producing
blistering effects.

Replying to a query as to a rise of temperature when iodine is
added to the preparation, Mr. Wilbert said that it was very slight.

A very interesting and suggestive paper on " Why Do Syrups
Spoil?" by Alfred I. Cohn, New York City, was presented in abstract
on behalf of the author by Prof. Henry Kraemer (see page 1 19).

The next speaker introduced was Wm. R. Lamar, of New York
City, who read a paper on " Assay cf Coca " (see page 125).

Prof. Jos. P. Remington said that he was pleased that Mr. Lamar
had taken up this subject, as the Prrarmacopceial Revision Com-

1 56

Pharmaceutical Meeting.

/ Am. Jour. Pharro.
t March, 1901.

mittee desires to have work of this kind, as there is an evident need
for standardized drugs. He said that ten years ago there was a cry
for standardized preparations, but that the committee found diffi-
culty in adopting methods which could be utilized by the pharmacist
as well as by their originators.

Dr. Alpers said that he was also much interested in the subject
of the paper. He said that a number of years ago he had tried a
number of assay processes using various solvents. He asked
whether by the use of kerosene for extracting coca there was any
trouble from the introduction of higher paraffin oils, as this appears
to be a rather variable article, having different flashing points in
different states. In reply, Mr. Lamar said that he had had no
trouble in this respect, that he used an ordinary 150 test oil.

Professor Remington spoke of the small percentage of alkaloid in
the drug, and referred to the question of the importation of crude
cocaine into this country for the manufacture of the alkaloid. Mr.
Lamar spoke on the tariff regulations and said that there was a
duty on both the purified and crude alkaloid, and that on account
of the heavy duty on the latter, only a limited quantity is imported.
He also said that the crude article (alkaloid) contained a very small
percentage of the true alkaloid.

Dr. C. B. Lowe referred to some assay experiments which Dr.
Rusby had made some years ago in South America, which led to
the belief that a larger percentage of alkaloid could be obtained from
leaves which were comparatively fresh.

Lyman F. Kebler said that he had examined a sample of the
crude alkaloid which assayed 96 per cent., and that he knew of one
manufacturing firm which used this article exclusively for the manu-
facture of their cocaine.

Mr. Lamar said that the problem of the purity was an important
one and that the question to be determined was whether the alka-
loid in question was pure or whether it contained by-products. His
experience had been that it contained a number of impurities.

Dr. H. C. C. Maisch presented a paper on " Gum Mastic," which
will appear in a later issue of this Journal. The author, having a
sample of mastic submitted to him which was very light in color,
and suspecting that it was a substitution product, submitted it to a
comparative test with other commercial samples, and it was found
that they were all identical. •

AmMa°rch, f9Joi.rm- } Pharmaceutical Meeting. 1 5 7

In discussing this paper Professor Lowe referred to the history of
mastic, stating that it was of great interest, and, to a large extent,
that of the island of Scio, from which the drug comes.

He said that in the fourteenth century a Genoese family by the
name of Laccaria obtained a concession from one of the Greek em-
perors (to whom the island was then tributary), and settled there,
being joined by many of the nobles of Genoa, who relinquished
their family names, taking the general name of Ginstiniani, and
forming a society called the Mano. This company, which was
somewhat like the former East India Company, taking advantage of
the weakness of the emperor, declared themselves independent and
governed the island to suit themselves, making their own laws,
coining their own money and fighting their own battles. The isl-
and was held by this company with somewhat varying fortunes for
some 250 years, when it was conquered by the Turks, who hold it to
this day.

When under the control of the Mano, the annual revenue from
mastic amounted to the large sum (for those days) of about $69,000.

Mr. Ke,bler submitted a sample of the drug which he said was
whiter than the specimens accompanying the paper. He said the
statement in the U. S. P. about it being brittle will not hold. He
further remarked that he did not attach as much importance to
the acid number as is ordinarily done, but still he was in favor of
using every available method.

In speaking of th^ use of mastic in medicine, Jos. W. England
said that mastic was used in connection with aloin in the Lady
Webster pill, to retard the action of the aloin until it reaches the
intestines.

Mr. Kebler remarked, in connection with the subject of indicators,
that distilled water frequently gives an alkaline indication with
cochineal, and on this account causes a variation in the assay figures
in titrating for alkaloids.

The same speaker then called attention to the impurity of the
gum arabic on the market, and said that he had a great deal of
difficulty in obtaining a pure article. Aqueous solutions of samples
which he had examined had a reducing action on Fehling's solution.
He said that, of course, it is admitted that inferior grades do this,
that is, they contain some sugar which reduces the copper solution.

Mr. Lamar exhibited an ebulliscope, an instrument of French

153

Notes and News.

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ March, 1901.

manufacture, which is used extensively for determining the percent-
age of alcohol in wines and liquors. He said that concordant results
could be obtained with it, and in this respect was more satisfactory
than some of the other methods which are used. In order to show
the comparative accuracy of the method, he gave the following data:
In one case an alcohol which had a specific gravity of -9867 as
determinedly Squibb's specific gravity bottle, this being equivalent
to 1008 per cent, by volume, gave a percentage of 97 per cent, by
volume withjthe ebulliscope, a difference of -38 per cent. A second
samplexontained 19-34 per cent, by volume according to the Squibb
apparatus, and with the ebulliscope, 19 7 per cent, by volume, these
figures'representing extremes of variation.

Mr. Procter, having tried the use of paraffin for denarcotizing
opium as suggested by Gordon (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1900, p. 576),
exhibited a specimen of the residual paraffin which was considerably
colored. The resulting tincture was re-paraffined, but the second
product was similar in appearance to the first.

A vote^of thanks was tendered the authors of the papers for their
presentation.

At|the next meeting, on Tuesday, March 19, Prof. Virgil Coblentz,
of the College of Pharmacy of the City of New York, will give a
lecture on " Recent Developments in the Study of the Relationship
between Chemical Constitution and Physiological Action of Organic
Compounds." Florence Yaple,

Secretary pro tern.

NOTES AND NEWS.

Commercial Pharmacy will receive attention at the hands of a number of
competent lecturers at the University of Michigan on each Wednesday, from
February 13th to May 29th, inclusive.

IvEHN and Fink, whose establishment in New York City was burned out
recently, are temporarily located at 77-79 Beekman Street, and expect to
occupy their new building at 120 William Street by March 1st.

A new Research Laboratory. — The twentieth century will no doubt
be a century of progress in applied science, and one of the developments
will be the research laboratory, where investigators will carry on researches
which have practical objects in view. Parke, Davis & Co. intend to build
an elaborate science laboratory which will be devoted exclusively to research
work in chemical and biological directions.

THE AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY

— — hM% €\

APRIL, igoi.

CONTRIBUTIONS FROM H. M. GORD1N

I. THE ASSAY OF CRUDE DRUGS.

The first step in the alkaloidal assay of drugs and galenical prep-
arations consists in the extraction of the alkaloids from these
sources. The exactness of such an assay will depend in the first
place upon the completeness of exhaustion of the respective
sources, and in the second place upon the exactness of the method
which is employed for the estimation of the isolated alkaloids.
With regard to this estimation, the method which I proposed some
time ago 1 seems to work very well with all alkaloids except those
which are not precipitated by Mayer's or Wagner's reagents in very
dilute solutions (coniine), or those that are only precipitated by
these reagents in presence of a very large excess of acid (colchi-
cine).2 In applying this method to the assay of drugs, it is often
found that upon addition of the above-mentioned reagents the preci-
pitate obstinately refuses to separate out even upon prolonged shak-
ing. In such cases the addition of a little talcum powder, which of
course must be perfectly neutral, and a little shaking will speedily
throw down all the precipitate, leaving a perfectly transparent
supernatant liquid. The error in titration which is liable to arise
from the addition of the talcum is probably so small that it can
safely be neglected. Should very exact results be desired, this
error can be entirely eliminated by standardizing the acid and alkali
with the same alkaloid under the same conditions, i. e.f with the use

1 Ber. d. Deutsch. Chem. Ges., 1899, 2872 ; Pharm. Arch., Vol. II, No. 10.

2 Ibid.

(159)

i6o Contributions from H. M. Gordin. {^l^mi™'

of an equal amount of talcum. In this way the final estimation of
the isolated alkaloid presents no difficulty whatever.

The only other condition upon which the exactness of a drug as-
say depends is, then, the complete extraction of the alkaloids. In
the case of fluids, the complete extraction of the alkaloids presents
no difficulty. By the aid of immiscible solvents we can either di-
rectly, or after a few very simple operations, separate the alkaloids
from the other plant constituents with such completeness that no
known reagent will show the presence of alkaloid in the exhausted
liquid.1

But the case is entirely different with solid, not wholly soluble
substances, particularly crude drugs. The complete exhaustion of
crude drugs is sometimes connected with such difficulties that very
often fluid extracts contain much less alkaloid than is known to be
contained in the drug which the extracts are supposed to represent.
It is well known, for example, that fluid extract nux vomica, as
sent out by most manufacturers, contains only about i}4 per cent,
of total alkaloids, whereas the drug itself generally contains from
3 to ^/i Per cent. In the Pharmacopceial directions for making
fluid extracts we are told to continue the percolation till the drug
is exhausted. But how are we to know when the drug is ex-
hausted ? That the absence of appreciable quantities of alkaloid
in a few drops of the percolate is not sufficient proof of complete
exhaustion was shown in a previous paper,2 in the case of colchi-
cum. The only way to prove the completeness of exhaustion is to
test the dregs qualitatively for alkaloids. This can be easily ac-
complished by removing the dregs from the percolator, drying
- them and then digesting a few hours with Prollius* fluid. After
filtering and shaking out with acid water, the presence or absence
of alkaloidal matter can be ascertained by means of the general
alkaloidal reagents.

If this method of testing the completeness of exhaustion be
applied to many of the methods which have been proposed for the
extraction of alkaloids for assay purposes, it will be found that most
of these methods are very far from securing complete exhaustion.

1 The great exactness of separation by immiscible solvents can be deduced
from a formula given in Ostwald's " Analytische Chemie."

2 Gordin and Prescott. Paper read at the meeting of the A.Ph.A., at Rich-
mond, Va., 1900.

AmAJp°rnr;i9SrnJ-} Contributions from H. M. Gordin. 161

As we generally do not know how much alkaloid is left behind, it
is impossible to introduce a proper correction in our results.

How ineffective some of the proposed methods of exhaustion are
can be shown by applying the Dunstan and Short method 1 to the
assay of nux vomica.

Ten grammes of dry powdered nux vomica were extracted in a
S^xhlet with a mixture of alcohol and chloroform for three hours,
as directed by these authors. The extract thus obtained, after
passing through immiscible solvents, was assayed by the general

alkalimetric method above referred to, using — acid and alkali for

titration and Mayer's reagent as precipitant. The dregs were then
removed from the Soxhlet, dried and assayed separately by means
of modified Prollius' fluid, as given later under nux vomica. The
final estimation was again made by the above-mentioned alkali-
metric method. In both cases, amounts representing 5 grammes

of the extract and dregs respectively were taken up by 20 c.c.

acid. The factor taken was the mean factor of strychnine and
brucine.

EXTRACT.

— acid consumed by 5 grammes, 13-5 c.c. — 2-46 per cent, total
40

alkaloids.

DREGS.

— acid consumed by 5 grammes, 27 c.c. = 0-49 per cent, total
40

alkaloids.

By taking 1 gramme of talcum with definite amounts of — acid,

making up the liquid to 100 c.c, filtering off 50 c.c. and titrating
N

with — alkali, using phenolphtalein as indicator, I find that this
40

amount of talcum consumes 2 c.c. — acid It is therefore best to

use 1 gramme talcum in all cases where the precipitate retuses to

separate out, and deduct 2 c.c. from the total amount ol ? acid

consumed by the alkaloid.

^rescott's " Organic Analysis," 1887, 456.

1 62 Contributions from H. M. Gordin. {AmAP0rnr;i9S.arm'

We see that by Dunstan and Short's method we only extract
about 83 per cent, of the total alkaloids.

In order to select the best method of extraction among the great
number proposed for that purpose, the custom has generally been
to make comparative assays of one and the same drug by different
methods and give that method the preference which gives the
highest results. This way of establishing the correctness of a
method is certainly not without faults. It is not the high results we
want, but the true results. Just as some faulty features of a method
are liable to give results below the truth, there are others which
might give results above the truth. The explanation of a method
giving too low results is easily found by admitting that either the
extraction is not complete or the operations of the method involve
a loss of some alkaloid. The cause of too high results is not so
easily found, but a method should not be adopted unless it be shown
that it gives exact results, or at least approaches the truth nearer
than any other method.

Now, it is certainly possible to work out for every drug a method
which will have this quality. Such a method might be too tedious,,
too expensive, and too complicated for general use. But such a
method could be used as a standard with which simpler and quicker
methods could be compared. If it can be shown that the standard
method gives the most exact results obtainable at the present state
of our knowledge and that among the many simpler methods a
particular one gives results which approach those obtained by the
standard method better than any other method, that particular
method should be chosen for general use. Any other method giv-
ing either higher or lower results than the standard method should
be rejected. How to find such a standard method I shall try to
show in the case of a few drugs only, but the principles can be
extended to any other drug.

The necessary and sufficient demands which should be put to a
standard method are : ^

(1) That the exhaustion should be so complete that no alkaloid
could be found in about 5 grammes of the dregs by the method
explained above.

(2) The operations involved in the standard method should only
be such as are not liable to injure the alkaloid under consideration.
Heat, strong acids or strong alkali and prolonged exposure to the

^ Ap°rn; i9oTm*} Contributions from H. M. Gordin. 163

air should therefore be avoided as much as possible. As it is
impossible to exhaust some drugs like nux vomica, ipecac and cin-
chona without the use of acids, only very dilute acids should be
used.

The standard method might vary from drug to drug, but in no
case shall any method be adopted as a standard unless it possesses
the above-mentioned features. As we have to admit that a method
which gives good results upon one sample of a drug will give equally
good results with any other sample of the same drug, provided the
samples are in the same condition of fineness, etc., we can establish
by means of the standard method the actual amount of alkaloid in
a given drug as exactly as it is possible at present, and then try
different expedient methods until we find one which, being simple
and expedient, gives results which are the same or very nearly the
same as those obtained by the standard method. Should there not
be such a simple method, we can adopt any desirable method and
introduce a definite correction into our results.

With these principles in mind, I started to apply the ideas here
developed to a few of the more important medicinal drugs. Among
the drugs chosen, some are very easily affected by strong reagents,
but easily exhaustable (coca), others are quite stable in presence of
reagents but are very difficult to exhaust (nux vomica), and again
others are both easily affected and difficultly exhausted (ipecac).
As my intention was not to compare most of the proposed methods
with each other, but only to find one among them which gives
results approaching sufficiently near those of the standard, I shall
not record a large number of experiments with many methods
which proved not to answer the above requirement, but shall give
briefly the positive results and how they were obtained. In every
case I first established a standard method and then tried to find a
suitable substitute for this method. Should any other more expedient
method be found, it might easily be adopted, providing its results
are not far from those of the standard.

The most expedient seem to me to be the following two methods,
which I shall call method A and method B. As one or the other
of these two methods has given very good results as compared with
the standard method in the case ot the drugs tried, I have not con-
sidered any other method, but it is possible that in the case of other
drugs some other method might give results even more concordant
with those obtained with the standard method.

1 64 Contributions from H. M. G or din, {AmApTif;imrm'

METHOD A.

Ten grammes of the drug in No. 6o powder are put into a Dun-
stan and Short apparatus,1 and extracted with alcohol (95 per
cent.) for about three to four hours on the asbestos plate. Most of the
alcohol is then distilled offfrom a water-bath, and when the extract is
reduced to about 10 c.c, it is cooled and diluted with water contain-
ing about 1-2 per cent, sulphuric acid. The liquid is then poured
into a 50 c.c. or a 100 c.c. measuring flask, washing the vessel in
which the boiling took place, and filling up the flask to the mark
with acidulated water. The liquid is now shaken with a little tal-
cum, filtered, and in 25 c.c. of the filtrate the alkaloids estimated by
passing through immiscible solvents, using either ammonia or
sodium hydrate for the liberation of alkaloids and either ether
alone or a mixture of ether and chloroform in the right proportions
to take up the alkaloids. In the case of hydrastis, a little potassium
iodide is added before filling the flask up in order to remove ber-
berine. The alkali used to liberate the alkaloid is in most cases
ammonia, except in the case of cinchona, where it was found that
ammonia gives rise to an emulsion, whereas sodium hydrate works
very well. If a fixed alkali be used, it is necessary to shake up the
ethereal solution of the alkaloid with calcined magnesia, and filter
in order to remove the last traces of alkali.2 After distilling off the
ethereal liquid the alkaloids are estimated by the general alkali-
metric method, referred to in the beginning of this article.

METHOD B.

This consists in digesting the drug in very fine powder with ten
times its amount of Prollius' fluid modified,3 putting the mixture
into a mechanical shaker for four hours, or shaking frequently dur-
ing twelve hours, drawing off an aliquot part, and shaking out with
acid water. The alkaloids are then set free by ammonia, or Na-

lPharm.J. (3), XIII, 664 ; Allen, "Org. Anal." 3d ed., Vol. II, Parti, page 21.
This apparatus is far superior for hot extraction to the ordinary Soxhlet. The
temperature of the menstruum is higher and the working of the apparatus sim-
pler and always continuous. It is only necessary to have the menstruum boil so
quickly that the drug is always covered with liquid, and to put a piece of
cotton and then a heavy piece of glass, or better, a piece of lead, on top of the
drug.

2 Arch, d' Pharm., 1900, 336.
3Lvons' "Handbook," 1899, 23.

AmAJp°rlnr;5Srm'} Contributions from H. M. Gordin. 165

OH, and shaken out with an immiscible solvent. The final estima-
tion is carried out in the same way as in method A. The method
Bis practically the same as that given by Lyons in his " Hand-
book," on page 43. It differs from Keller's method in so far that
no water is added for the purpose of causing the drug to ball to-
gether, and that the liquids are taken by volume, not by weight.
This addition of water is certainly a source of indefinite error.
Water takes up some ether and together with it some alkaloid.
Besides, water itself dissolves the alkaloids to a greater or less ex-
tent. Codeine, for example, is soluble in eighty parts water, atro-
pine in 135 parts. .

But even an alkaloid which is very difficultly soluble both in
water and ether is taken up to a considerable extent by water when
an ether-chloroform solution of the alkaloid is shaken with water.
The following experiment proves this :

0-102/ gramme strychnine was dissolved in 10 c.c. chloroform;
to this solution 30 c.c. ether and 10 c.c. water was added and the
whole shaken a minute or two in a separator. After a half hour's
standing the perfectly clear lower aqueous layer was drawn off into
a tared aluminum evaporating dish, the liquid completely removed
by evaporating on the water-bath, and after drying and cooling at
1250 C, the vessel again weighed. It was found that 0-0044
gramme of strychnine, or about 3 per cent, of the amount taken,
was taken up by the water.

As in the assay of drugs, we very often work upon quantities con-
taining less than 01 gramme alkaloid, and the quantity taken up by
the water depends only upon the amount of the latter, the loss from
the solubility of the alkaloid in aqueous layer is liable to be even
greater.

On the other hand, the water which, in Keller's method, is added
to ball the drug together, taking up some ether, diminishes the
volume of the latter, so that by drawing off half the amount of the
ethereal liquid originally added, either by weight or by volume, we
actually get more than half of the amount originally taken, and the
results will be too high. The influence of this circumstance was
also proved by experiment.

0-1047 gramme strychnine was dissolved in 50 c.c. of a mixture
of three parts of ether and one part chloroform; 125 c.c. water was
now added, the mixture shaken, and after complete separation into

1 66 Contributions from H. M. Gordin. {A%Jp7if;iSJi*rm-

two layers, 25 c.c. of the upper layer was removed into a tared alu-
minum dish. After complete evaporation, drying at 1250 C. (to
remove all trace of chloroform), and weighing, 0 0564 gramme of
strychnine was found to have been contained in the 25 c.c. ether-
chloroform. This is more than half the amount of strychnine
taken by 0-0041 gramme, or nearly 8 per cent, in excess.

As can be seen from these experiments, the error in excess is far
greater than the error causing a lowering of the results. It is for
this reason that Keller's method (with the addition of water) gen-
erally gives higher results than when the water is left out. This
was proved by the following experiment :

(1) Fifteen grammes belladonna root in No. 80 powder were
digested with 150 grammes of a mixture of three parts ether and
one part chloroform for ten minutes. Ten c.c. ammonia (10 per
cent.) were then added and the mixture shaken four hours in a
shaker. Thirty-five c.c. water were now added, and after shaking
and settling of the drug, 100 grammes (= 10 grammes drug) were
drawn off and shaken out with three portions ot acid water, using
50 c.c, 40 c.c. and 30 c.c. successively. The alkaloid was then
shaken out with light chloroform-ether mixture and ammonia, and
estimated alkalimetrically by my general method, using Wagner's
reagent as precipitant.

(2) The same amount of the same drug was treated in exactly the
same manner, only leaving out the addition of water.

The results obtained were as follows :

N Acid Consumed

40 Percentage of

by 10 Grammes. Alkaloid.

(1) With water 9 c.c. 0*648

(2) Without water . y6 c.c. 0*576

The addition of water then raised the results nearly 1 1 per cent.
It is for this reason that in method B the addition of water was left
out altogether. The ethereal layer, in most cases in my experience,
separates out quite well, even without the addition of water, pro-
vided it is set aside for a sufficient length of time. In some cases the
shaking up of the mixture, before drawing off the aliquot part, with
about 2 grammes of calcined magnesia, will clear up the superna-
tant layer very quickly.

A%JP°rnr;£obrm*} Contributions from H. M. Gordin. 167

COCA LEAVES. STANDARD METHOD.

Ten grammes in No. 60 powder were moistened in a small mortar
with 5N c.c. of diluted alcohol, then placed in a small percolator,
washing the mortar out repeatedly with fresh menstruum and pour-
ing the washings on the top of the drug. Following the general
rules of percolation, i. e.y macerating forty-eight hours, etc., the per-
colation was continued very slowly till about 200 c.c. of percolate
were obtained. The first 10 c.c. were received into a 50 c.c. meas-
uring flask and set aside ; the balance was concentrated in vacuo,
first at about 45 0 C, then at ordinary temperature, till reduced to
about 25 c c. This was added to the reserved portion, and the
whole, after washing the vessel in which the concentration took
place with acidulated (2 per cent.) water, was made up with acid
water to 50 c.c.

The dregs were first deprived of moisture as much as possible by
forcing dry air by means of the pump through the percolator, and
then thoroughly dried in desiccator. After digesting 5 grammes of
the dregs a few hours with Prollius' fluid, filtering, and shaking out
with acidulated water, no alkaloid could be detected either by
Mayer's or Wagner's reagents.

The exhaustion being complete and no strong reagents or high
heat having been used, this method of extraction was taken as a
standard. The alkaloidal assay of the leaves was now carried out
by filtering the acid liquid (using a little talcum), shaking out 25
c.c. (= 5 grammes drug) four times with ether and ammonia, using
30 c.c. ether each time. After distilling off the ether completely,

a few drops chloroform and then 20 c.c. of ^ acid were added, and

the chloroform removed by blowing air into the flask. The estima-
tion was then carried out by my general alkalimetric method, using
Mayer's reagent as precipitant.

It was found that 5 grammes of the drug consumed 6-6 c.c. _

acid = 1 per cent, ether soluble alkaloids, calculated as cocaine.

The same leaves in the same state of fineness were then assayed
by method A. The liquid, after distilling off the alcohol, was
made up to 50 c.c. with acidulated water, filtered through talcum,
and in 25 c.c. of the filtrate the amount of alkaloid estimated exactly
as in the standard method.

168 Contributions from H. M. Got din. {^m-l^\J^vs"'

Two assays by method A gave the following results :

fo Acid Consumed Percentage of Alkaloids
Method Used. by 5 Grammes. (Ether Soluble).

Standard 6"6 i*oo

a ; 6-5 0-988

A (duplicate) 6'6 roo

Method A giving the same results as obtained by the standard
method, and being easily carried out, this method A should be
adopted for the assay of coca leaves.

HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS. THE STANDARD METHOD.

Ten grammes of hydrastis in No. 60 powder were treated exactly
as the coca leaves were treated in the standard method for that
drug, but using a menstruum consisting of six volumes of alcohol,
three water and one glycerin (U.S. P. menstruum for fluid extract
hydrastis). The dregs, examined as described under coca leaves,
were found to be free from hydrastine. The percolate was concen-
trated in vacuo to about 50 c.c, mixed with the reserved portion
previously received into a 100 c.c. measuring flask, and after wash-
ing the vessel in which the concentration took place, diluted to 100
c.c. with water containing 2 per cent, sulphuric acid and about 5
per cent, potassium iodide. After shaking a lew minutes the liquid
was filtered and 20 c.c. of the filtrate (= 2 grammes of drug), after
making alkaline with ammonia, shaken out three times with a mix-
ture of three parts of ether and one part of chloroform, using 30
c.c. each time. The assay was then finished as that of coca.

The same drug in the same state of fineness was then assayed by
method A, finishing exactly as in the standard method just de-
scribed, i. e.f using potassium iodide, making up to 100 c.c, etc.

- Acid Consumed PercentaRe of Aikaloid
Method Used. by 2 Grammes. (Hydrastine).

-Standard 7 c.c. 3*47

A 7 c.c. 3-47

A (duplicate) 7 c.c. 3*47

Method A giving such good results as compared with the
standard method, A should be adopted for the assay of hydrastis in
preference to all other methods.
Laboratory of

The Wm. S. Merrell Chemical Company,
Cincinnati, O.

( To be continued. )

Am. Jour. Pbarm.
April, 1901.

Gum Mastic.

169

GUM MASTIC.

By Henry C. C. Maisch; Ph.D.

About a month ago there was brought to the analytical depart-
ment of Hance Brothers & White a sample of mastic which was
so light in color that substitution was at once suspected. On sub-
mitting it to comparative test, with other samples of the ordinary
commercial variety, it was found that the several specimens were
identical.

I then looked up the literature on the subject of the color of
mastic and came across historical data which may prove of interest.

The species of Pistacia lentiscus is indigenous to the basin ©f
the Mediterranean, but it is only in the island of Scio (formerly
Chios) where the resin is collected and then only from a broad,
leaved variety cultivated in the northern portion of this island,
Orphanides has shown in 1856 that there are probably other places
in the Grecian archipelago and on the Grecian mainland suitable
for its cultivation. The trade in mastic was the property of the
Sultan until the separation of Greece from Turkey. Twenty-two
thousand oka (1,260 grammes each) were claimed as tribute, and
for the balance of the crop only a small price was paid. In 1822
the island was devastated and a large number of the inhabitants
killed by the Turks, and as the above arrangement could not, in
consequence, be continued, the islanders obtained the privilege of
selling mastic to any one, but were compelled to pay an annual
tribute of 750,000 piasters, or about $2,250. Under this arrange-
ment the lot of the planters was somewhat more agreeable, as they
obtained decidedly better prices for their crops.

During May and June vertical incisions are made into the bark of
the trees from which the resin slowly exudes in the form of drops
or tears. These gradually harden and are collected between August
and November and assorted into three kinds. The best variety
consists of white or at most pale yellowish tears darkening some-
what with age. Fliickiger (" Pharmacognosie des Pfianzenreichs,"
3d edition, p. 115) states: " Perfectly fresh they (the tears) are of a
somewhat greenish tint due to the chlorophyl of the bark ; this
soon disappears and is replaced by entire freedom from color, or
after a longer time by a dull yellowish tint. The poorer quality is
yellowish from the start." In the Pharmacographia, 2d edition, p.

170

Gum Mastic.

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ April. 1901.

164, the authors state: " They are of a pale yellow or slightly
greenish tint, darkening by age, dusty and slightly opaque on the
surface." Martius (" Pharmacognosie," 1832, p. 364) distinguishes
several varieties and classes the seraglio mastic as the best. It
was shipped principally to Constantinople for use in the Sultan's
harem, but at that time appearing occasionally in European com-
merce. He describes this variety as appearing in " separate, white
or yellowish-white, roundish tears." The tears have a glassy
appearance internally and possess a peculiar balsamic odor which
becomes more pronounced on heating. Mastic is aromatic, and
when chewed becomes plastic, by which it is distinguished from
sandarac, which remains in the form of powder.

Mastic is chewed in the Orient for perfuming the breath and
whitening the teeth and is said to have the property of hardening
the gums.

Bombay mastic, which occasionally appears in the market, is an
oleoresin obtained from Pistacia terebinthus, a variety of which
yields the Chian turpentine. According to the Pharmacographia
Indica, Vol. I, p. 378, ''The general appearance is much the same
-as that of true mastic, but the color is rather deeper and it wants
the fine perfume of the latter article. In the rainy season, unless
kept with great care, it runs into a pasty mass."

The two kinds differ in solubility. According to Fielding (Phar-
macographia Indica, Vol. I, p. 379), 75 per cent, of true mastic is
soluble in hot alcohol, while the Bombay mastic dissolves com.
pletely; true mastic and Bombay mastic are completely taken up
by hot turpentine, but on cooling the solution of the latter variety
gives a precipitate appearing in cauliflower-like masses and amount-
ing to 25 per cent, of the dissolved mastic. Wills ("Vegetable
Materia Medica," 1886, p. 72) states that Bombay mastic is soluble
in alcohol and this solution is colored brown by ferric chloride.

The chemical composition of mastic is about 1 per cent, of vola-
tile oil, 80 to 90 per cent, of alpha resin and 10 to 20 per cent, of
beta resin or masticin. The alpha resin only is soluble in cold
alcohol, possesses an acid reaction and is known as mastichic acid.
According to Tschirch, mastic belongs to the " resene resins " and
consequently would contain no resin esters.

K. Dieterich [Pharmaceutische CentralJialle, 1899, 453) has deter-
mined the acid numbers of several samples of mastic ; Bombay
mastic, 137-6, 103-89; Levantine, 65-99; Turkish, 90-56.

AmAp0r^r;l?ohl?^m•} Production of Nitric Acid. 171

The process proposed is to dissolve I gramme mastic in 50 c.c.
benzine, add 10 c.c. decinormal alcoholic and 10 c.c. decinormal
aqueous potassium hydrate solution and put aside for twenty-four
hours in a closely stoppered bottle, occasionally shaking. At the
end of this time the mixture is titrated with decinormal sulphuric
acid, using phenolphtalein as indicator, but adding no water. The
difference between 20 and the number of cubic centimetres of deci-
normal sulphuric acid used multiplied by 28 gives the acid number.

This method was used in the examination of the mastic samples
above referred to.

No. 1 was a blank experiment made without the addition of any
mastic and required 19 9 c.c. sulphuric acid for neutralization, and
this number was used in place of 20 mentioned above.

No. 2 was the white sample referred to in the beginning and re-
quired 17-85 c.c. sulphuric acid ; 19-9 — 17*85 = 2-05 X 28 = 57-4.

No. 3 was of a pale yellowish tint and required 17-4 c.c. sulphuric
acid ; 19-9 — 17-4 = 2-5 X 28 = 70.

No. 4 was like No. 3 in color, a pale yellow, and required 17-8
c.c. sulphuric acid ; 1.9-9 — l7'% — 21 X 28 = 58-8.

No. 5 was of a deep yellow color and required 17 8 c.c. sulphuric
acid; 19-9 — 17-8 = 2-1 X 28 = 58-8.

These acid numbers are similar to that obtained by Dieterich for
Levantine mastic, and the samples behaved with alcohol like true
mastic.

THE PRODUCTION OF NITRIC ACID FROM ATMOS-
PHERIC NITROGEN.

By M. I. Wii^BERT.

It does not seem to be generally understood that the production
of nitric acid and the various nitrates by the combustion of atmos-
pheric nitrogen is one of the immediate possibilities of the future.
Text-books on chemistry, when speaking of the chemical properties
of nitrogen, usually content themselves by asserting that nitrogen
is neither combustible nor is it a supporter of combustion. And
while this is true in the ordinary sense of the word, or under ordi-
nary conditions, nevertheless, it has be^n known for many years
that nitrogen is combustible under favorable conditions, and the
only reason why we are not enveloped in a sea of nitric acid, instead
ora mixture of nitrogen and oxygen, is because the ignition point
of nitrogen is higher than the temperature of its flame.

172

Production of Nitric Acid.

( Am. Jour. Pharm.
I April, 1901.

Many attempts at the artificial production of nitrogen compounds
have been made, from time to time, and as a result of these experi-
ments it was found that, when hydrogen is burned in oxygen hav-
ing an admixture of a small quantity of nitrogen, a portion of the
latter combines with some of the oxygen to produce one or more
of the oxides of nitrogen. It was also found that when atmospheric
air in a glass globe, or other confined space, is subjected to a series
of electric sparks, red fumes of nitrogen tetroxide were formed.
These fumes, in the presence of water, are decomposed with the for-
mation of nitric acid. It was subsequently learned that when the
air is compressed the production of red fumes is materially increased.

This combustion of atmospheric air by means of induced currents
seems to indicate the solution of the problem, so that even at the
present time it would seem possible that nitrogen compounds might
be produced economically in this way.

Sir William Crookes, in the presidential address before the Brit-
ish Association for the Advancement of Science, held at Bristol,
England, in 1898, referred to this particular problem at some length.
He made especial reference to the necessity of the nitrates as fertili-
zers for the growth of cereals, for which, it is estimated, upward
of 2,000,000 tons are used annually. In the course of this address,
Sir William Crookes recounts the experiments of Lord Rayleigh,
who had tried in various ways to effect the combustion of the
nitrogen in atmospheric air for the purpose of separating argon.

From the data furnished by Lord Rayleigh's experiments, Sir
William Crookes gives some interesting figures. He estimates that
at the present price of coal, with a possible conversion of 10 per
cent, of its available energy into electricity, sodium nitrate might
be produced at about $130 per ton. If, on the other hand, the initial
cost of the electric current -could be cut down to one-fifth, as at
Niagara Falls, it would reduce the cost of electric sodium nitrate to
$26 per ton, and this latter figure, with, native nitrate quoted at
about $37.50 per ton, would seem to offer a fair margin of profit.

There is even a possibility of improving on these figures. Within
a year or two, another source of energy has been suggested that
seems destined to play an important part in mechanical and in-
dustrial development. This source of energy is derived from the
conversion of blast furnace gases into power by means of a new
style gas engine that has been introduced at some of the larger

Am. Jour. Pharm. )
April, 1901. J

Oil of Walnuts.

173

blast furnaces in Europe, especially in Belgium and in Germany.
This type of engine was shown at the late Paris Exhibition and
seems to have attracted considerable attention. It is claimed by
men who have made a study of blast furnace practices that it
would be possible to generate a considerable excess of power at
these plants as a result of the introduction of this type of engine.

The power generated from this source would necessarily be more
or less irregular, so that it could be used to advantage only in the
manufacture of some more or less unimportant by-product. It
could, for instance, readily be converted into electric energy, and
this in turn could be used in the production of various nitrogen
compounds, the raw materials for which are always at hand and in
unlimited quantities. This available source of energy, with a large
and constantly increasing demand for nitrates as fertilizers, would
seem to offer considerable inducement for the practical application
of a process for the artificial production of nitrogen compounds.

OIL OF WALNUTS (JUGLANS NIGRA, L.).1

By Lyman F. Kebi^r.

Frequent and repeated efforts were made to secure a pure oil of
walnuts, with the invariable result that the dealers were either
unable to supply it, or oils like the following were sent :

No. 1. Walnut Oil, White. — This article was colorless, of a
sweetish taste, with a peppermint-like flavor and soluble in water
and 92 per cent, and 50 per cent, alcohol. Farther investigation
showed it to be diluted glycerin, flavored with a menthol-like body.

No. 2. Walnut Oil, Cone- — The word concentrated immediately
cast a halo of suspicion about this oil, and on submitting it to a
fractional distillation about 80 per cent, came over between 78 and
85 0 C, which was chiefly ethyl alcohol. Then the thermometer
rose rapidly to 205 0 C, which is the boiling point of nitrobenzene
(oil of mirbane) and the odor confirmed the boiling point. A small
amount of non-volatile matter was left.

When it is remembered that oil of walnuts is chiefly used by
artists for paints, because it dries into a varnish which is less liable
to crack than linseed oil varnish, the enormity of such adulterations
becomes self-evident.

1 Read before the Chemical Section of the Franklin Institute and contributed
by the author.

174

Indicators in Nature.

Am. Jour. Pharm
April, 1901.

Having been unable to secure an oil of good quality, walnut
kernels were secured, ground, and the oil expressed by means of a
hydraulic press. In this way 25 per cent, of oil was obtained,
while the kernels actually contained 66 per cent, of oil. It was
thus deemed of interest to investigate the oil, inasmuch as no such
examination seems to have been made.

The oil generally used is that obtained from Juglans regia, L., a
tree indigenous to Persia and cultivated in Europe and America.
The kernels of this nut contain from 30 per cent, to 40 per cent, of
" virgin " oil. The fresh cold-drawn oil1 is limpid, nearly color-
less or pale greenish-yellow and of agreeable taste and odor, has
a specific gravity of 0 925 to 0 9265 at 150 C, saponification num-
ber 186-197, iodine value 142 to 15 1-7, fusing point of fatty acids
16 to 20° C, dries well and is said to be brought into this country
from France and Switzerland in no- gallon tuns.

Hickory nut oil resembles the above walnut oil very much, and
is known as "American Nut Oil."

Wm. T. Brannt (1896, ' A Practical Treatise on Vegetable Fats
and Oils," Vol. II, 37) says: " Oil of black walnuts is sometimes ex-
pressed, but is of little value." On examining the cold pressed black
walnut oil, the following physical and chemical constants were ob-
tained : it is limpid, of a straw yellow color, possesses a pleasant,
agreeable, walnut-like odor and taste, becomes turbid at — 12° C,
has a specific gravity of 09215 at 150 C, saponification number
I90-I-I9r5, acid number 8-6-9, ether number 181-5-182-5, Hehner's
number 93 77, Reichart-Missel value 15 c.c, iodine value 141-4-
142-7, melting point of fatty acids 0° C.

The drying qualities are excellent, equal, if not superior, in
this respect, to linseed oil, leaving a tenacious, flexible, transparent
film. An artist, on using it, pronounced it a very satisfactory article
for fine painting.

THE WIDE OCCURRENCE OF INDICATORS IN NATURE.2

By G. S. Fraps.

In the course of some work on a black cow-pea bean, the writer's
attention was attracted by the change from black to red which took
place when it came in contact with an acid. Later, in speaking to

^'Chemical Analysis of Oils, Fats, Waxes, etc.," by J. Lewkowitsch, 1898
P- 35o.

2Amer. Chem. Jour., 1900, p. 271.

Am. Jour. Pharm. 1
April, 1901. J

Indicators in Nature.

175

Mr. G. H. Whiting, a student, about this, he mentioned that the
juice of the blackberry had the properties of an indicator. These
observations led to the work about to be described. Since com-
pleting it, the writer has been informed that a lady placed some
violets in ammonia water to preserve them, and to her astonish-
ment they became green.

The results of this work show that indicators are of very common
occurrence in nature. .Some seventy-four kinds of colored flowers,
both wild and cultivated, the leaves of five varieties of coleus, the
cow-pea bean, the blackberry, mulberry, smilaxberry, strawberry
and the red beet were extracted with water or dilute alcohol, and
the extract tested for indicators. In only three cases did the extract
not become one color when acid and another color when alkaline.
'As a rule, the coloring matter was fairly sensitive as an indicator,
being changed by from less than one to two drops of tenth-normal
ammonia. Some of the changes were very sharp, and many of the
colors were very beautiful. In some cases the color passed through
several stages in going from acid to alkaline, or the reverse.

The materials examined could be grouped in four classes :

Class I. — Extract not affected by acid or alkali.

Class II. — Extract colorless when acid, yellow when alkaline.

The flowers in this class were yellow, and the yellow coloring
matter was hardly affected by the extracting agent.

Class ///.—Extract red (or a shade of red) when acid, yellow
when alkaline.

Class IV. — Extract red when acid, green when alkaline.

Classes III and IV are not sharply separated, sometimes the
color produced by the alkali being such that it was hard to decide
whether it was yellow-green or green-yellow. Ammonia was the
alkali used; often a green solution with ammonia would have been
yellow with caustic soda. Most of the coloring matters in these
two classes were very sensitive. In many cases the flowers were
bleached when boiled with water, and the extract nearly colorless,
or quite so ; but it would become colored when made acid or alka-
line.

Class V. — Miscellaneous. This includes all that do not fall in
the other four classes. It must be observed that in no case do the
colors occur in the reverse order from those in the other classes —
that is, never colorless when alkaline and yellow acid, or red when
alkaline and green or yellow acid.

176

Indicators in Nature.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
April, 1901.

The colors of the coleus, especially, depend on the degree of
acidity of the leaf as well as on the kinds and distribution of the
colors. With coleus colors there is a regular change in color from
acid to alkaline, or the reverse, passing through several stages. It
is easy to see that a slight change in the acidity of the sap of the
leaf will affect the color and give rise to some of the manifold
variations that are observed in the coleus. The same may be said
of some flowers.

METHODS OF EXAMINATION.

Two methods were adopted for testing the color. In the one,
small portions of the material were placed into two test-tubes with
alcohol, a few drops of fifth-normal hydrochloric acid added to one,
of tenth-normal caustic soda to the other, and the changes noted.
It usually requires some time for the effect to be visible. In the
second method the material was boiled in a large test-tube with
about 20 c.c. of water, to which a little alcohol was often addedr
cooled, the extract poured off, and titrated with fifth-normal acid
and tenth-normal ammonia. The two methods usually gave the
same results, though they were sometimes different, as was to be
expected, as in the one case all of the color, soluble and insoluble,
was subjected to the action of caustic soda ; in the other case only
the soluble part was treated with ammonia. Method 2 allowed
some conclusion as to the sensitiveness of the color to be made.

Class I. — Color unaffected by acid or alkali. This includes the
orange flowers of StyJosanthus biflora, the yellow ones of CJirysogo-
num Virginianum, and the leaves of a smooth, red variety of coleus.
Three materials not containing indicators were found out of eighty-
one examined.

Class II. — The flowers in this class give a colorless extract which
becomes yellow when made alkaline.

The color is moderately sensitive. All of the flowers but one —
t*he white petals of the wild daisy — are yellow or orange. Yellow
is a color which cannot be extracted by boiling water. In some
cases it goes into solution with the tenth-normal caustic soda.

This class comprises 10; stamens of begonia and Solanum Caro-
linense; petals of canna, Oenothera sinuata, Hypoxis erecta, butter-
cups, allamanda, wild daisy, a yellow wild flower, and leaves of the
yellow coleus.

AmAp0rUii,'i9oi?rm'} Indicators in Nature. 177

Class III — In this class the materials give extracts which are
red or a shade of red when acid, yellow or a shade of yellow when
alkaline. All the colors are fairly sensitive, being changed by at
least two drops of tenth-normal ammonia. Twenty-one of the 81
materials examined fall into this group, 11 being originally red or
pink flowers, 4 orange or yellow, 5 purple or violet, 1 green (coleus
leaf). The red and pink flowers were the pink, rose (faint pink,
rose and wild rose), pink larkspur, crimson clover, phlox (faint
pink, light claret, rose, scarlet, magenta), begonia (2 varieties),
double oleander, a variety of Euphorbia, Spensonia goligefolia rosa,
Clerodendrum and Silene Virginica. With the exception of Clero-
dendrum, which gave a well-colored, orange-pink solution, all of the
flowers above named were bleached when boiled with water,
giving a colorless or faintly colored solution, which, however,
became colored on the addition of acid or ammonia. Verbena
flowers gave extracts yellow with caustic soda, but green with
ammonia, and the extract from sweet peas, green when first made
alkaline, became yellow on standing. These two are included in
Class IV.

The purple or violet flowers were the vetch, Mexican sage, helio-
trope, Clematis ochroleuca and Solatium Carolinensis. They were
bleached by the boiling. The orange or yellow flowers were orange
nasturtium and canna, Asclepias tuberosa, yellow Allamanda vereo-
folia. The yellow color of the flower was unaffected, but a color-
less or faintly colored extract was formed which became colored on
addition of acid or ammonia. A red-orange extract was obtained
from the green part of the leaf of a red and green coleus, which
was red with acid and brown-yellow with ammonia.

Class IV. — This includes those coloring matters which are a shade
of red when acid, a shade of green when alkaline. The greens
are at times of a beautiful emerald color, sometimes of a yellowish
tinge. Most of the colors are very sensitive to the reagents, being
affected by less than one drop of tenth-normal ammonia.

Thirty of the materials examined fall into this class, 15 being
originally a shade of red, 9 violet or purple, 3 blue, I lilac, I black
(bean), 1 yellow. The flowers a shade of red were : red clover,
scarlet sage, Canterbury bell, red zinnia, rose geranium, crimson
honeysuckle, California poppy, verbenas (faint pink and rose), sweet
peas (faint pink, rose, maroon, magenta, lavender), gladiolus (rose),

1 78

Indicators in Nature.

Am. Jour. Phai-m.
April, 1901.

red cyclamen, varieties of Bumaldce, hibiscus, Tephrosia (devil's
shoestring), and leaves from four varieties of coleus. With the
exception of hibiscus, scarlet sage and coleus, the extracts from
these were colorless or nearly so.

The purple or violet flowers were phlox, petunia, coriopsis, ver-
bena, sweet peas, "Jimson weed," maypop, or passion flower,
Specularia perfoliata and Rue ilia ciliosa.

The lilac flower was Salvia urtica, the blue ones were Ageratum,
Runella vulgaris and blue larkspur, the yellow one was nasturtium,
and the black material, a cow-pea bean.

The colors from some of these flowers passed through several
stages on the way from acidity to alkalinity. The most noteworthy
are :

Specularia pet foliata: Magenta, blue, green.
Ruellia ciliata: Rose, lilac, green.
Salvia tittica: Claret, peacock-blue, green.
"Jimson weed:" Magenta, purple, green.

Maypop or passion flower: Magenta, blue, green-blue, olive-green.
Blue larkspur: Magenta, purple, blue, peacock-blue, green.
Purple petunia : Magenta, purple, blue, green.
California poppy: Magenta, purple, violet, peacock-blue, green.
Red coleus : Red, claret, violet, green.

Red and yellow coleus: Rose, brown-red, orange-red, yellow-
green, olive-green.

Light red, dark red and green coleus: Cherry, violet, brown,
green-brown, dirty green.

Red and deep red coleus : Magenta, purple, blue, green.

Most of the colors above given were very bright and beautiful,
and, as a rule, fairly sensitive.

The coloring matters of the following flowers in this group are
especially sensitive : " Jimson weed," maypop, Salvia urtica, black
cow-pea (bean), Ruellia ciliata.

Class V. — This group includes substances giving colors with acid
and alkali that do not come into the classes already described.

The colors are those produced by ammonia. The color, when
acid, is given first, then the stages it passes through to alkaline.

Bougainvtllea spectabilis (mauve): Purple, colorless.

Gloxinia hybnda (pink) : Pink, purple, brownish-red.

Gloxinia kybrida (purple) : Magenta, purple, olive-green.

Am. Jour. Pliarm.
April, 1901.

Correspo n den ce .

179

Dendrobium nobitia (purple) : Pink, purple, blue, green.
Amaryllis (red) : Cherry, maroon.
Salvia (red) : Orange, dark red.
Cynthia (yellow) : Yellow, terra-cotta.
Geranium (scarlet) : Scarlet, violet.
Gaillardium (red) : Scarlet, corn, yellow-brown.
Snapdragon (red) : Red, red-brown.
Canna (red) : Red, orange-brown.
Fruit :

Smilaxberries (red) : Pink, violet.
Beets (red) : Magenta, purple.
Strawberries: Straw, purple.
Blackberries : Rose, colorless.
Mulberries: Cherry, violet.
Brown cow-pea bean : Colorless, brown.

Laboratory of the North Carolina College
of A. and M. Arts, June, 1900.

CORRESPONDENCE.

PROCTER MEMORIAL.1

In response to a letter from the Editor of this Journal concern-
ing the most appropriate way of memorializing the life and work of
Professor William Procter, Jr., the following are some of the replies
which have been received:

Dear Sir: — Your letter of the 7th inst, requesting an expres-
sion of opinion as to the form of memorial to the late Professor
Procter I would most favor, has been duly received. It affords me
particular pleasure to comply with this request, inasmuch as it
brings to mind personal memories of the one whose life and work
it is proposed to commemorate, and for the purpose in view I
believe that no more fitting opportunity could be found than on the
occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the American Pharmaceutical
Association — a body which is not only the national exponent of
American pharmacy, but one with which he was so long and so
intimately associated.

1 For other information and correspondence on this subject, see editorials
November, 1900, and February, 1901, and correspondence February and March
issues of this Journal.

1 80 Correspondence. { Am^r;Sarm-

I am reminded that it is twenty-seven years ago this month
since Professor Procter passed away, and as a member of the class
before which he delivered his last course of lectures, it may be of
interest to mention that as I write from this distant city I have
before me, carefully preserved, my student notes of the lecture on
pharmacy which he delivered on the eve of his death, dated Febru-
ary 9, 1874. The subject of that lecture was " Animal Substances,"
and it included the consideration of gelatin, milk, the preparation
of lactic acid and lactates, albumen, cod liver oil and pepsin. As
Secretary of the Class Society I was also commissioned to convey
to the family of Professor Procter the resolutions of sympathy
which my fellow-students had adopted on the occasion of his death.
The recalling of these incidents after such a considerable lapse of
time may serve to explain the special interest which I feel, and
which I know to be shared by one of my classmates, Henry S.
Wellcome, for many years resident in London, in the success of the
project under consideration.

With regard to the form of memorial, it may be well to con-
sider in the first place what Professor Procter would himself have
wished, and secondly, what is feasible to accomplish. The work of
Professor Procter was, to a large extent, that of a pioneer, and, in
my opinion, his memory and the influence he exerted as a teacher
and investigator could not be more fittingly and more usefully per-
petuated than by the foundation of a scholarship to be known by
his name. If a fund sufficiently large for this purpose could be
realized, which, unfortunately, is somewhat doubtful, it should be
held in trust by the American Pharmaceutical Association, and the
interest applied for the higher scientific education at one of the
leading American or foreign universities, during a period of at least
two years, of such a graduate student of pharmacy as might be
found, by a competitive examination conducted by a committee of
the Association, properly qualified and otherwise worthy of receiv-
ing the specified grant. The value of such a benefaction would
naturally not remain confined to the individual recipient of it, but
might reasonably be expected to exert the same ever-widening
influence on scientific progress as the life and work of the one it
serves to commemorate. The details of the conditions by which it
would seem desirable that such a scheme should be governed for
the attainment of the best results need not be further considered
now.

AmApOrii,;i90i!rm'} , Correspondence. " 181

If the plan for a scholarship on sufficiently broad lines is beyond
the limits of practicability, I should favor in the second place the
suggestion that has already been made by Dr. Fred. Hoffmann in a
communication to this Journal (February, 1901, p. 86), namely, the
institution of a Procter-Squibb memorial medal, for the reason and
the purpose therein stated.

My apologies should, finally, be tendered for having trespassed
so largely upon your space. Frederick B. Power.

London, February 25, 1901.

Dear Sir : — Yours to hand requesting my opinion with regard to
the most suitable form of memorial of Professor Procter. I had
already read those expressed in your February issue, and think that
the most suitable form would be either a scholarship or research
laboratory.

A statue will cost at least $15,000, and a further sum would be
required to maintain it and its surroundings in good condition.
The interest on this sum would be sufficient for a scholarship. My
plan would be a travelling scholarship, tenable for, say, two years,
open for competition to all graduates of colleges of pharmacy, the
award to be made biennially by a committee of the A. Ph. A.

The interest on $15,000 would keep a student at one of the Eu-
ropean universities. The scholarship would be a permanent insti-
tution perpetuating the name and inciting others to follow in the
footsteps of Professor Procter, and the amount of good of which it
will be productive is incalculable. Judging from what I have heard
and read of Procter's character, the scholarship would be such as he
himself would have chosen.

The suggestion of a research laboratory is a good one, perhaps
the best yet made, but the question of funds lor building and main-
tenance would have to be solved first, J. E. Morrison.

Dear Sir : — It is gratifying to know that a movement for memor-
ializing the life and work of Prof. William Procter, Jr., is likely to
take definite shape on such a fitting occasion as the fiftieth anniver-
sary of the American Pharmaceutical Association.

While a number of plans worthy of careful consideration have
been suggested, I feel decidedly in favor of establishing a Procter
medal, to be awarded for original and worthy pharmaceutical work.
I believe that such a memorial will keep alive the true spirit with
which Professor Procter worked. H. M. Whelpley.

1 8 2 Correspondence. , { AmxJp°rl?[; Sarm'

Dear Sir : — Replying to your recent favor concerning the mem-
orial to Professor Procter, personally I think the best memorial that
can be established for any man is a scholarship in the line of study
that absorbed his attention. In this instance it might be a two year
course of study in a desirable European institution.

E. L. Patch.

Dear Sir : — A true memorial serves a double purpose. It hon-
ors the man to whom it is dedicated and encourages others to emu-
late his example and continue his work. The first purpose is best
reached by the erection of a monument in a place where the great-
est number of his admirers or disciples can see it ; the second, how-
ever, by some incentive in the shape of a reward for diligence,
perseverance or accomplished work. Applying these premises to
our case, I would, first of all, erect a monument to William Procter,
either a life-size statue or a simple bronze bust, according to the
available funds. If the former, it should be put in a public place of
Philadelphia; if the latter, in the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.
Contributions for this monument should be solicited from all phar-
macists in the United States, so that it would become a truly
pharmaceutical tribute to one of our greatest masters.

The second part of the memorial should be undertaken by the
American Pharmaceutical Association, of which Procter was a mem-
ber, and which is the best representative society of American phar-
macy. It should consist in a prize for acknowledged prominence in
any of the branches of pharmacy, whether as teacher, inventor,
manufacturer or practical pharmacist. A medal to be given at
stated intervals to the deserving one seems to be the best form of
reward, similar to the Hanbury medal of the British Pharmaceutical
Conference.

Such a Procter medal, given to the best men of our profession,
would be the highest testimonial that American pharmacists could
receive and serve to perpetuate the work of the man whose name
it bears. William C. Alpers.

Dear Sir : — In forms of memorials, as in everything else, I con-
sider that best which contributes most to the advancement and
happiness of humanity and least to mere human vanity. Statues
and the like will appeal most to those who think least deeply on the

Am. Jour. Pliarm.
April, 1901.

Correspondence.

183

subject. Scholarships, endowments for research and other such
measures as will bring forth a constant fruitage of benefit to the
race will be the ideals of the far-seeing ; but sentimentalists will, per-
haps, deem such forms' too utilitarian to suit their tastes. If Pro-
fessor Procter could himself be consulted upon what he would want,
I have no doubt but that he would prefer the latter form, without
hesitation. The constant suggestiveness of a continuously acting
benefit never palls on consciousness but retains for centuries its sweet
memories. A cold stone statue enthuses only when fresh and new,
after which it is passed heedlessly by like the dead, lifeless thing
which it is. Let the American Pharmaceutical Association deliber-
ate upon and decide what kind of memorial will most, and for the
longest time, shower benefit upon American pharmacy, and they
will soon decide upon an ideal that will satisfy futurity.

R. G. Eccles.

Dear Sir : — In reply to your letter requesting my opinion on
the subject of a suitable memorial perpetuating the life and work
ot Prof. Wm. Procter, permit me to suggest a memorial tablet of
bronze, with a reproduction of the bust of Professor Procter and
suitable inscription reminding present and future generations of the
worth of the man.

No more fitting place for this memorial can be found than in the
halls of the institution wherein his achievements were accomplished
and of which his work is a corner-stone.

While this form of memorial appears to me most desirable, any
suggestion finally adopted by those interested will meet with my
most hearty approval. F. G. Ryan.

Dear Sir: — Answering your letter of recent date I would say:
Regarding an appropriate celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of
the A. Ph. A., and, in that connection, a Procter memorial, I do not
believe, from what I knew of William Procter, personally, that a
memorial of brass and marble would be in keeping with his practi-
cal life and views, however gratifying such a testimonial would be
to his many revering friends. I would suggest that a committee
be appointed, of which A. E. Ebert and Jos. P. Remington be its
chief officers, consisting of a large number selected from the older
and the younger pharmacists, to suggest to the Association an
appropriate memorial. I, for one, should gladly help to carry out

184

Correspondence.

( Am. Jour. Pharru.
\ April, 1901.

their recommendations. I have read with much interest what has
been said so well by the American Journal of Pharmacy, editorially,
and by the correspondents to that journal upon this subject, and am
glad that it is being considered.

The revision of the Pharmacopoeia has emphasized the fact that
we are sadly in need of advanced workmen in pharmaceutical
science — men of the Procter type — in different sections of our country.
It seems to me that the A.Ph.A. could aid very materially in a
practical way if it would take steps toward creating a scholarship
substantially as proposed by E. L. Patch.

I referred to this at some length at a meeting of the Association
in '95 (see Proc, p. 425-429, '95). After the reading of the paper,
Professor Oldberg made a motion that a special committee be
appointed to consider the recommendations then made and to report
at the next annual meeting on the feasibility of carrying out the
recommendations in this paper. That nothing has been done by
the Association seems to show, perhaps, that the time is not quite
ripe to take up the matter actively. Now that we may soon con-
sider earnestly the question of a Procter memorial, I would again
revive this motion, and place it before the committee I suggest.
In suggesting a scholarship or fellowship, I am not losing sight of
the main point — an appropriate memorial to one in whose memory a
lasting monument would be a worthy token — but I am keeping
before me the characteristics of him we are striving to respect. He
was essentially a practical pharmacist. I do not think he himself
would consider long as between an investment in marble or bronze
and an endowment of a fellowship as an appropriate expression of
a distinguished life such as we may seek to commemorate. In my
opinion a monument would be insufficient to memorialize the man
and inadequate to carry out what should be the aims of our worthy
Association. If I can do anything to further the project under con-
sideration I shall be very glad. L. E. Sayre.

Dear Sir: — Accepting the invitation, kindly given by yourself,
to take part in the discussion, inaugurated by the American Journal
of Pharmacy, relative to " memorializing the life and work of Prof.
William Procter, Jr.," one must, at the very outset, ask a series of
questions that his right to participate may be assured and his efforts
be properly directed.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
April, 1901.

Correspondence.

185

Entirely pertinent seem the following : Do the pharmacists of
the nation wish to preserve, throughout time, the memory of the
" Father of advanced, of professional Pharmacy," in a manner that
will not only do honor to the subject, but will evidence to the peo-
ple of this country, even of the world, that there is a real science
and profession of Pharmacy and that Procter was a most creditable
and exemplary exponent of both? Do the friends, followers and,
especially, former students of the good man and distinguished
teacher wish to possess something entirely of him, his life's history
and his writings ?

Do the local members of his profession and the citizens of his
adopted city and home, where the most of his useful life was lived
and where he attained his greatest successes, desire to emphasize
the power and influence of such a character and proudly claim him
as their own ? Or, would the commonwealth and the city, that
honor him as their son, and the votaries of pharmacy therein resid-
ing, pay tribute to his memory and justly make to him such monu-
ment as will show their pride in the sonship and brotherhood which
as greatly honors them all ?

Two of these questions are purely local and must be answered by
the councils of local associations and the representatives of the
several bodies interested ; another is to a privileged number, to
those who were more fortunate than the many who knew him not,
but who would, for all, do him honor — thus leaving one, alone, for
general consideration. While all four propositions might very
properly be answered in the affirmative and be profitably executed,
there is no possible doubt but that the first not only should, but
must have prompt and fit realization.

At the nation's capital, in artistic bronze, let the form of the
nation's son and pharmacy's patron stand throughout the years as
a memorial to his worth and a stimulus to his followers.

Very sincerely, Hy. P. Hynson.

Baltimore, February 18, 1901.

Dear Sir : — Having carefully read the memorial paper of Profes-
sor Remington, your editorial of November, 1 900, and the several
suggestions, in the February issue of 190 1, regarding the proposed
actions of the A.Ph.A. in 1902, and also considered the possibilities
and probabilities of success in securing the most useful and abiding

186

Correspondence.

Am. Jour. Pharm,
April, 1901.

service to pharmacy and properly commemorating the life and work
of Prof. William Procter, Jr., I reply to your request of the 5th inst.
for my personal opinion.

Among the earliest and most helpful influences to me of the
A.Ph.A. was the ever earnest, active work, though always modest,
and the genial, lovable character of Professor Procter. I can never
forget him, and often recall his approaching me with a list of
" queries," with the request that I write in response to one or more.
At that time I should have undertaken the task of writing a sermon
or lecture upon the creation of the heavens and the earth as to pre-
pare a paper for the Association.

Of all the men I have known in the Association, Professor Proc-
ter has and does seem to me to fairly represent what may be termed
the " Good Shepherd " of pharmacy.

As I sit in church and see the memorial window to our late rec-
tor, representing in the central figure the good shepherd with a
lamb in his arms, and in the side panels the four acts of mercy, I
have thought how appropriate and serviceable such a memorial
would be of Professor Procter, placed in the several colleges of
pharmacy, a constant reminder of the " Father of Pharmacy." A
life-size representation of Professor Procter, with his hand resting
upon a young man, the Pharmacopoeia and American Journal of
Pharmacy, four or more side panels representing such scenes as
could be easily made up from Professor Remington's paper, would
surely be an impressive, instructive, helpful and stimulating influ-
ence upon every student.

Some such work as this, it seems to me, your College should do at
once. Thus, at the meeting in your city in 1902, the A.Ph.A. could
properly request the several colleges to follow your example, and
for their part, the A.Ph.A. to authorize the preparing of a beautiful
Procter memorial certificate, twenty, thirty, fifty or more to be dis-
tributed annually to those worthy, recommended by those colleges
who had put in the window or done something of the kind, and
approved by a special committee or the Council of the A.Ph.A. and
indorsed by the Association.

The certificate should be a fine engraving, possibly of your win-
dow, accompanied or not by a gold, silver, aluminum or bronze
medal. And what a prize it would be !

It seems to me some such plan as this would be a suitable mem-

A%JP7n;woiarm"} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 187

orial, and accomplish the most good to the greatest number. Such
a commemoration of the life and work of one of our early members
who has done so much in the Association, and made his life mem-
orable as a leader and teacher in progressive pharmacy, and whose
character is a model to follow, would be alike creditable to the
memory of Professor Procter and the purpose of the A. Ph. A.

The cost or expense to the several colleges would not be large,
and the annual expense to the A.Ph.A. after its first outlay could be
easily provided for. It would certainly be national and not sectional,
and, as I see it, of constantly increasing service in making excep-
tional pharmacists. H. M. Whitney.

RECENT LITERATURE RELATING TO PHARMACY.

EXAMINATION OF PETROLATUM.

The several characteristics which should be studied in the ex-
amination of soft petrolatum are as follows : Color, melting point,
behavior under oxidizing agents, stability under heat of 200°, re-
action, homogeneity and viscosity. As the melting point estimation
is somewhat difficult, by reason of the gradual softening under
heat, the best method is to melt the product in a beaker glass,
stir with a thermometer until the liquid becomes cloudy and shows
first suggestion of thickenipg, when the thermometer is read. As
to oxidation, 3 grammes of the product warmed on water-bath
with ioc.c. acid permanganate solution (ToVcr) snould not decolorize
the permanganate, even after ten minutes' heating. If the perman-
ganate is decolorized, rosin oil is to be suspected. The heating to
200° is to detect presence of volatile hydrocarbons which are some-
times irritating ; 10 grammes of the product heated five hours in
an air-bath should lose not more than 8 per cent, in weight. The
reaction of the petrolatum is tested by shaking an ethereal solution
with 100 c.c. of water containing a few drops of any acid indicator.
The writer prefers iodeosin. The homogeneity of the product is
easily proven by examination under the microscope, when no paraf-
fine needles should be noticed; The viscosity estimation is made
with special apparatus ; suffice it to say that an artificial petrolatum
is much less viscous than the natural product. The article closes
with a report on the examination of six commercial varieties of
petrolatum. — (Dr. M. Hoehnel, Ph. Zt., 1901, 28.) H. V. Arny.

i88

Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. {

Am. Jour. Pharm.
April, 1901.

CINCHONA CULTURE IN INDIA AND JAVA.

Professor Verne, who was sent by the French Minister of Instruc-
tion to investigate the cinchona culture, mentions the following
interesting facts in his report : The Indian plantations are found
about 270 north latitude, 3,600 feet high, in a territory having
temperature ranging between 280 and 85 0 F. The mechanical
labor is performed by the natives, who receive from $1 to $1.70
per month, without food, according to age and sex. The favorite
species of cinchona is the C. ledgeriana. The plants are raised on
mossy ground, sheltered from the winds on one side by a hill and
on the other side by thickets of bamboo, the young shoots being
particularly susceptible to sudden changes of temperature. By the
third year after planting, the tree is sufficiently grown to permit
the removal of bark, which grows on again within three years
without recourse to mossing operation. The same system is in
vogue in Java, where, however, the variety of cinchona is not the
English C. ledgeriana (Howard's), but the C. ledgeriana of Moen, the
latter being found to yield 9 per cent, of quinine ; or, if only the
trunk bark about a metre above the ground is chosen, it yields 14
per cent, of quinine. On the other hand, the English C. ledgeriana
assays on an average 4 per cent. In Java the cultivation of the
latter variety is abandoned ; while C. succirubra planting is diminish-
ing. In both the English and Javanese plantations a very large
source of profit is the manufacture of quinine on the spot from
small and defective pieces of bark, unfit for shipment. Particularly
striking is the method of quinine extraction as practiced in Java,
it simply consisting of treating the powdered bark with a 5 per
cent, solution of caustic soda, heated to 500 C, throwing this
mechanically agitated mass into a reservoir containing Java petro-
leum of specific gravity -999, removing the petrolic solution of
alkaloids by mechanical devices into a warm reservoir, into which
is poured water acidulated with sulphuric acid. This watery layer
is removed, evaporated and from the concentrated solution the
quinine sulphate separates by crystallization, which it is not neces-
sary to recrystallize, since it contains only one-half of 1 per cent, of
cinchonine. Of such quinine 50,000 kilogrammes are exported
annually to the United States. The special reason of the success
of this quinine manufacture is due to the exceedingly clever me-
chanical devices used in the extraction. — {jf.de Ph. et Ch.} 1901,

page 5.)

H. V. A.

Am;i°riir;i9oTrnJ'} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 189

VOLUMETRIC ASSAY OF SALICYLIC ACID.

The following method is suggested as an improvement over pro-
cesses yet devised. Instead of using bromine acidulated with hydro-
chloric acid, potassium bromide is employed. This is treated with
an exact quantity of sodium hypochlorite solution, titrated to rep-
resent in each litre 3-55 grammes of chlorine, 8 grammes of bro-
mine, and 3-45 grammes salicylic acid. This volumetric solution
will keep its strength for about a month if kept in a dark place.
The details of the assay are as follows : 1 gramme salicylic acid is
dissolved in 2 c.c. solution of soda and 50 ex. water, and the vol-
ume brought up to exactly 500 c.c. by addition of distilled water.
Twenty-five c.c. of this solution is put into an Erlenmeyer flask of
about 375 c.c. capacity. Five c.c. of a 10 per cent, solution of
potassium bromide and 10 to 15 drops of hydrochloric acid are
added, and to this mixture is poured in drop by drop from a burette
the titrated solution of hypochlorite, until one drop communicates
a distinct but feeble yellow color to the mixture. To avoid error
it is better to have a layer of 5 c.c. chloroform (with sufficient al-
cohol to prevent emulsification in the mixture) to receive the first
suggestion of free bromine. When this yellow is reached, the
amount of cubic centimetres of hypochlorite employed is read, and
the exact amount of salicylic acid is estimated by multiplying by
3-45. The same method can be utilized for estimation of the sali-
cylic acid, and also for phenol. — (F. Telle, J. Ph. et Ch.y 190 1, 49.)

H. V. A.

OXIDIZING ACTION OF AMMONIUM PERSULPHATE.

This chemical converts uric acid in the cold to guanine, ammo-
nium allanturate, ammonium oxalate and urea. It changes biliru-
bine in alkaline solution to biliverdine. It oxidizes haematine in
ammoniacal solution in the cold, and more rapidly after heating, to
a colorless liquid in which is found a precipitate of peroxide of iron.
In the same way it attacks diluted blood. These reactions seem to
point to the future value of this reagent in physiological examina-
tions.— (L. Hugonenq, J. de Ph. et Ck., 1901, 64.) H. V. A.

DETECTION OF OIL OF SESAME IN OTHER OILS.

A solution of 100 parts of hydrochloric acid to three or four parts
of crystallized glucose is prepared. One part of the reagent is put

190 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. {AmAp0rur;i9oiarm'

into a test-tube with two parts of the suspected oil. The mixture
is shaken vigorously two or three minutes, heated to boiling, agi-
tated in cork tube and then let stand. If the slightest trace of oil
of sesame be present, the liquid assumes a beautiful rose color, pass-
ing rapidly to cherry red. The delicacy of the reaction is shown
by the fact that the presence of 1 per cent, of oil of sesame brings
the coloration within a few minutes, while 10 per cent, caused
instant change. — (Tambon, J. Ph. et Ch., 1901, 57.)

H. V. A.

SEPARATION OF PLATINUM METALS.

The platinum ores are roasted, reduced with hydrogen, washed
with water, then with dilute hydrochloric acid. This removes alka-
line salts and also iron and zinc. The metallic residue treated with
twice its weight of sodium chloride, the mixture warmed in a current
of dry chlorine at red heat. The volatile products of this reaction
being condensed by appropriate apparatus, while the residue, which
has been converted into soluble chlorides of the platinum group, is
dissolved in water, thus freeing them from the chlorides of silver and
lead respectively. To the solution of platinum metals, sodium car-
bonate and sodium nitrate are added, precipitating all remaining
traces of metals foreign to the platinum group, leaving a solution of
the double nitrites of sodium and ruthenium, platinum, palladium,
iridium and rhodium respectively, while the osmium goes into solu-
tion as a sodium chloro-osmite. This solution is treated with caustic
soda, then with a current of chlorine and distilled, when the osmium
and ruthenium pass over as volatile peroxides (Os04 and Ru04)
which are separated by usual methods. The residue in the retort is
treated with hydrochloric acid and boiled ; sodium nitrite is added
and then ammonium chloride, when the iridium and rhodium are
precipitated as double nitrites with ammonium, which are insoluble
in the presence of sal-ammoniac. The separation of the iridium
from the rhodium is accomplished through the differing solubilities
of the chloro-sodium compounds. The original liquid now contains
platinum and palladium, and the former is separated from the latter
by the formation of a chloroplatinate of ammonium, which crystal-
lizes, leaving palladium in the mother liquor, which is removed by
precipitation with cyanide of mercury. — (Leidie, y. Ph. et Ch.y 1901,
18.) H. V. A.

^mAP°rii;i9oiarm'} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 191

VOLUMETRIC METHODS OF THE NEW GERMAN PHARMACOPCEIA.

Of the three methods of volumetric analysis, acidimetry or
alkalimetry is employed in the new German standard for the estima-
tion of not only the usual inorganic chemicals, but also in the
estimation of such alkaloidal drugs as pomegranate bark, ipecac,
aconite, nux vomica and its preparations, belladonna, cinchona,
hyoscyamus and their preparations; also for balsam of Peru, bal-
sam of Tolu, copaiba, rosin, wax, cod liver oil and oil of lavender.

The oxidation analysis includes the well-known chemicals such
as iron salts, chlorine water and iodine, and through the latter it is
applied to the iodine absorption estimation of fats. The precipita-
tion volumetric analysis is directed for the same chemicals as in
the U.S.P. and also for the assay of bitter almond water and the
mustard oils. Concerning the estimations of the first class, that
for the alkaloids is practically the same as in the U.S. P., a possible
exception being that " jodeosin " is recommended as an indicator;
always, however, with the addition of an ethereal layer. For the
cinchona alkaloids, hsematoxylin is preferred.

The estimation of acid number, ester number, and saponification
number of oils and balsams is performed by treating the substance
with semi-normal alcoholic potassa titration of excess with semi-
normal hydrochloric acid, phenolphtalein being used as indicator.
The approximate details of such estimation can be lound in litera-
ture, notably Proceedings of the American Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion, so suffice it here to state the following standards are chosen
by the German authority :

Acid Number. Ester Number. Saponification Number.

Balsam Peru — 132*5 224-6

Balsam Tolu ii2'3-i68'5 22,4-78"4 —

Copaiba 75 -6-1797 — —

Wax 18*5- 24-1 72'8-75'6 . —

Oil lavender — 84 —

Cod liver oil — — 196*6

The iodine absorption of fats is estimated by addition of the fat
to an 87 per cent, alcohol containing mercuric chloride and a
definite quantity of iodine ; the mixture is allowed to stand forty-
eight hours and the unabsorbed iodine is estimated by titration
with decinormal sodium thiosulphate. Chloroform is added to the
mixture for purpose of clearing, this aiding in obtaining accurate

192

Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy.

Am. Jour. Pharm^
April, 1901.

results. One c.c. thiosulphate solution will equal 0-012685
gramme of iodine. The difference between iodine originally
employed and the unabsorbed iodine is of course the amount of
that element absorbed by the fat, and the number of grammes
absorbed by 1 00 grammes of fat is called the iodine number. — (Dr.
Laves, Ap. Zt., 1901, p. 30.) H. V. A.

FERMENTS OF THE LEGUM IN OSZE .

The work of the ferments of sprouting seeds is continued by
Bourquelot and Herissey (J. Ph. et Ch., 1900, 357). They extracted
the ferments from sprouting fcenugreek, luzerne and scoparius
seed and compared the action of same on starch of caroubier (the
seed of Ceratonia siliqua) and on potato starch with that of diastase
from malt, finding it totally different.

Diastase hydrolyzes potato starch so completely that the mix-
ture no longer gives the iodine reaction, while the action on carou-
bier starch is much less than that of the leguminous ferment. The
latter ferment, called seminase by the authors, on the other hand,
scarcely affects potato starch, but completely hydrolyzes caroubier
starch (starch of the horny albumen).

The seminase obtained from the three plants mentioned above
is practically identical. Whether it is a single ferment or a mix-
ture is yet to be studied. H. V. A.

ANAGYRINE.

The seeds of Anagyris fcetida, a papilionaceous plant of Southern
France and Algeria, contain an alkaloid which was at first thought
to be identical with cytisin. This alkaloid is obtained by percola-
tion of seeds with 60 per cent, alcohol containing acetic acid,
evaporation of solvent, removal of fat and resin by treatment with
water and filtration ; precipitation of gum, color, etc., from filtrate
with lead acetate ; and chloroformic extraction of alkaloid from the
alkaline filtrate. Lastly, the chloroformic extract is purified by frac-
tional crystallization of the alkaloids and their platinic chloride and
mercuric chloride compounds — this complex method being neces-
sary to separate the real cytisin from the peculiar alkaloid of
anagyris — anagyrine. Cytisin is CnH14N20, anagyrine is C15H22N20,
and in both alkaloids the O atom is neither in a hydroxyl nor in a
ketone nor in an aldehyde group.

AmApriir;i9oiarm'} Recejit Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 193

Cytisin is a secondary base (forming with alkyliodides a tertiary),
while anagyrine reacts as a tertiary base.

Comparison of the two formulae seems to show that anagyrine
is butyl cytisin.

However, none of the efforts to convert cytisin into butyl deriva-
tives— several successful ! — yielded true cytisin. Anagyrine yields
with barium permanganate a peculiar crystalline base, C15H20N2O2,
which appears to be similar to the peroxides of tertiary bases
studied by Merling and others. The physiological effect of ana-
gyrine is different from cytisin. — (Dr. F. M. Littescheid, Arch. Ph.,
1900, 191.) H. V. A.

MALARIA AND THE MOSQUITO.

Progress in the investigation of the causation of malaria is pro-
ceeding steadily, and definite proof has now been obtained that the
bite of a malarious mosquito causes malaria in a non-malarious dis-
trict, also that if one lives in a malarious district and escapes being
bitten by a malarious mosquito perfect health is retained. The
latter is the more important fact, and we owe it to Dr. Louis Sam-
bon and Dr. G. C. Low, who, as stated in an illustrated note which
we published on July 7, have since May been living in the malaria-
infested Campagna of Rome in a mosquito-proof house, and
although a month of the experiment has still to run, Professor
Grassi, a leading Italian physician, has telegraphed to Dr. Manson,
who first formulated the mosquito-malarial theory, that the experi-
menters are in perfect health and have been all the time, although
around them the inhabitants of the Campagna are malaria-stricken.
Drs. Sambon and Low have taken no other precaution than that of
the protection provided by the house ; they have taken no anti-
malarial physic, and have breathed the " malaria-stricken exha-
lations " which constitute the atmosphere of the Campagna. This
is ample proof, therefore, that the old " exhalation " theory is
wrong, and that we have to seek for the cause of malaria somewhere
else. That the mosquito is the infection-carrier there can no longer
be any doubt. Members of the Liverpool school who went out to
the gold coast and were not bitten by mosquitoes did not take
malaria ; one member of the party who was bitten had a severe
attack of the fever. But that was in a malarious district, and there
was wanted by the skeptical proof of malarial infection by the mos-

194 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. {AmAP°rnr;i9o1iarm'

quito in a non-malarious district. This has now been provided in
London by a son of Dr. Manson, who allowed himself to be bitten
by a malaria-infected mosquito. For the experiment mosquitoes
{Anopheles) were raised from the egg in a laboratory, so that they
had no opportunity of obtaining the fever parasites, and these were
taken to Rome and allowed to suck the blood of patients in whom
the parasites of tertian fever were ascertained to be present. The
insects were then sent to the London School of Tropical Medicine
and fed on vegetable juices until sufficient time had elapsed for the
fever-germs to reach their venom-glands. Mr. P. T. Manson was
bitten every second day by the insects until they died, usually about
ten days after their arrival in London. The first batch was fed in
London in the first and second weeks of July, the second at the
end of August, and the last during the second week of September.
Mr. Manson remained in perfect health until the morning of Sep-
tember 13th, when he was suddenly attacked by headache, bone-
ache, lassitude, and loss of appetite, with rise of temperature to
1020 F. On September 15th there was a distinct intermission
during the forenoon. High fever, with temperature of 1040 F., set
in about 4 p.m. with delirium, and was relieved during the night by
profuse diaphoresis. The same series of events recurred on Sep-
tember 1 6th, and on the morning of the 17th tertian parasites were
found in his blood. The nature of the illness was verified, and the
parasites were seen, not only by Dr. Manson himself, but by other
competent observers. The delay in the appearance of symptoms is,
notable, but is believed to be due either to the condition of the
insects or to the need for some lapse of time after the parasites are
introduced into the blood before they multiply sufficiently to become
effective causes of fever. Mr. Manson is not likely to sustain any
permanent injury or inconvenience, as the tertian parasite is not
virulent and is easily killed by quinine, which Mr. Manson has taken
freely, and there has been no recurrence of the tertian symptoms.
These signal proofs of the communicability of malarial fever by
insects, and insects alone, once more attracts attention to the need
for close study of the various species of mosquito. We are glad,
therefore, to observe that the inquiry instituted in 1898 at the sug-
gestion of a committee of the Royal Society by the Colonial Office
is bearing fruit. The Governors of all the colonies were requested
to have such collections made and sent to the Natural History

AmAJp°iUiir;5oi?rm'} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 195

Museum, South Kensington, for examination and classification,
and as a result considerably over 3,000 specimens of mosquitoes
have been received at the museum. The work of identifying
and^ describing the specimens was at first entrusted to Mr. E.
E. Austen, the dipterist on the museum staff, but he joined the City
Imperial Volunteers as a soldier and naturalist. Mr. F. V. Theo-
bald, one of the few men in England who have studied mosquitoes,
has carried on the work in Mr. Austen's absence, and is now engaged
in the preparation of a monograph on mosquitoes, based on the
collections at the museum. The combined collections contain a
large number of species, the majority belonging to the genus Culex.
Mr. Theobald has completed the genus Anopheles y which is the
medium by which the malaria-parasite is transmitted from man to
man. The genus is represented in the museum by twenty-two
species, ten of which are new to science. The Anopheles, unlike the
Culex, does not appear to have a wide distribution in regard to
species, although the genus is world-wide. One of the greatest dis-
tances between any two localities for the same species is Formosa
and the Straits Settlements. A long series sent from the Straits
Settlements contained sixty-six Anopheles and seventy-two Culex.
Some species of Culex seem to have a very wide distribution. Thus,
one species has been sent from Japan, Formosa, Hong Kong, Malay
Peninsula, India, South and West Africa, North and South America,
West Indies and Gibraltar. The Culex is innocent of malarial pro-
pensities, so that interest is centered on the Anopheles, and the next
thing we have to learn after Mr. Theobald has completed his classifi-
cation is whether all the species are malaria-carriers. The subject
is one which pharmacists of an inquiring turn ol mind may find it
advantageous to follow, and even the enterprising will find it not
unprofitable. — (Editorial in Chem. and Drug., 1900, p. 547.)

VEGETABLE ALKALOIDS, DETERMINATION OF, BY MEANS OF THE
QUANTITY OF ACID REQUIRED TO FORM NORMAL SALTS.

In previous investigations it has been customary to disregard
the theoretical quantity of acid required to combine with the various
alkaloids, and a process has generally been considered satisfactory
if the end reaction is sharp and concordant results are obtained.
This gives considerable trouble in forensic and pharmaceutical work
where the quantity of available alkaloid is small and very dilute acid

196 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. {K^l^\\J^m'

and alkaline solutions are employed. In this work N/50 sulphuric
acid and caustic solutions were employed and the indicator solutions
standardized by means of the standard acid or alkali, as required.
The alkaloids were dissolved in an excess of the acid, 50 c.c. of %this
solution added to the standardized aqueous solution of the indicator,
and the excess of acid measured by means of the alkaline solution.
The following indicators, of the usual strength, were employed:
azolithmin, iodo-eosin, methyl-orange, cochineal, phenolphtalein,
lacmoid, ethyl-orange, uranine, hematoxylin, alkannin and Congo
red. The results obtained are summarized in extensive tabulations
and the relative efficiency of the indicators is given as follows.

The most suitable are printed in italics ; the next best are enclosed
in brackets ; (a) indicates a somewhat indefinite end reaction ; (&)
the indicator is discolored, and (c) change of color reaction transi-
tory.

Aconitine. — Iodo-eosin, azolithmin, hematoxylin, cochineal.
Atropine. — Iodo-eosin, [methyl-orange (#)], azolithmin, hema-
toxylin, lacmoid, cochineal, uranine.
Caffeine. — None are suitable.

Cocaine. — Lacmoid, uranine, cochineal, hsematoxylin.
Codeine. — Iodo-eosin, (azolithmin), uranine, hematoxylin, cochi-
neal, lacmoid.

Coniine. — Iodo-eosin, (methyl orange), uranine, [azolithmin (#)],
hematoxylin (c), (alkannin), cochineal, lacmoid, Congo red.

Emetine. — Iodo-eosin, [azolithmin [uranine (ay], [hematoxy-

lin {ay], cochineal, [lacmoid (£)].

Morphine. — (Iodo-eosin), cochineal, lacmoid.

Narceine. — None are suitable.

Narcotine. — (Methyl orange), lacmoid.

Papaverine. — Lacmoid.

Pelletierine. — (Iodo-eosin), uranine, cochineal, [lacmoid (£)],
[azolithmin (£)].

Quinine. — Azolithmin, uranine, hematoxylin (c), lacmoid, in pres-
ence of ether.

Sparteine. — Azolithmin, (uranine), hcematoxylin, phenolphtalein,
alkannin.

Strychnine. — Iodo-eosin, azolithmin, (uranine), hematoxylin,
cochineal, (lacmoid).

Thebaine. — Iodo-eosin, uranine, (hematoxylin), cochineal, lacmoid
(a).

Am. Jour. Pharm.)
April, 1901. J

Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy.

197

Veratrine. — Iodo-eosin, hematoxylin, cochineal, lacmoid.
The low acid values are due to partial dissociation of the alkaloidal
sulphate in aqueous solutions, a part of the acid belonging to the
alkaloidal salt being neutralized by the alkali, while the free base
separates out or remains dissolved in the colloidal state. In disso-
ciations of this kind the base may not combine with the indicator,
because of the relative instability of the indicator-alkaloid com-
pound, which is especially the case if the indicator is a weak acid
and the alkaloid is a weak base. Fairly good results may be
obtained with a feebly acid indicator and a strongly basic alkaloid;
the reverse, however, will not hold good. High acid values are gen-
erally obtained with methyl and ethyl-orange and Congo red in the
titration of quinine and sparteine. These are due to compounds of
the indicator and the alkaloid, formed in solution, which require a
considerable excess of acid to decompose. — (C. Kippenberger, Ztsch.
anal. Chem., 39, 201.) L. F. Kebler.

" STRENGTHENING FLOURS FROM RUSSIA.

Within recent years there have been introduced into France from
Russia several brands of flour for the purpose of improving and in-
creasing the value and yield of bread made from flours deficient in
gluten. The following results were obtained by Balland (Comp.
rend.t 131, 545) on the analyses of thre-e brands :

Constituents.

Water

Nitrogenous matter
Patty matter ....
Amylaceous matter

Cellulose

Ash ........

Gluten, moist . . .
Gluten, dry . . . .

Total nitrogen . . .
Acidity

" Champion.'

9-90
29-48

r6o
58-22

0-20

o-6o

82-80

29* 10

4717

0*073

Hercules.

10-70

22-11

i"45
64-94
0-25
o*55
64-50

22'0O

3'537
0-065

11 00
16-43

I'20

70-65

0-27
o'45
46-40
i6'oo
2-628
0-065

The above analyses indicate that these strengthening flours "
are simply mixtures of wheat and gluten flours. Their addition to
over-bolted flours is undoubtedly valuable, in that it makes good

Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy, /Am- Jour- Pharm-

April, 1901.

the deficiency of nitrogenous matter, but they will not raise the
per cent, of phosphates, and the apparent increase in yield of bread
is purely fictitious, being due to the additional water absorbed by
the driedt!gluten. L. F. K.

SPURIOUS VENETIAN TURPENTINE.

G. Fabris (Annali del Laboratorio Chimico Centrale delle Gabelle,
1900, 4, 143, from Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 19, 768).

Spurious Venetian turpentine, consisting of mixtures of rosin
oil, colophony and oil of turpentine, have for some time past found
their way into commerce, their color and consistency depending
on the relative proportions of the several constituents. In general,
such products are very thick and have a mingled odor of their com-
ponent products. They are completely soluble in 95 per cent,
alcohol, have acid value from 105 to 113-8; saponification number
113*6 to 119-2, and from 6 to 13 per cent, distils below 2500 C.
From these figures the following deductions as to composition are
made: turpentine, 6 to 1 3 per cent.; colophony, 65-2 to 67-9 per
cent.: and rosin oil, by difference, 19-1 to 28-8 per cent.

There is some possibility of confusing the genuine Larch or
Venetian with these spurious products, yet there are several distinct
differences. The Venetian turpentine invariably contains more than
15 per cent, of oil of turpentine, the acid value varies from 65 to 75,
and the saponification number from no to 125.

The rosin oil can be detected by dissolving 5 -grammes of the
sample in 20 c.c. of 95 per cent, alcohol, adding a few drops of phe-
nolphtalein and sufficient of a 10 per cent, solution of potassium
hydroxide to render alkaline. In case of genuine Venetian turpen-
tine a clear solution results, while the solution of an artificial pro-
duct becomes turbid, and, on standing, oily drops of rosin oil separate.

L. F. K.

ALBUMIN MANUFACTURE IN CHINA.

In the Chamber of Commerce J. (Nov., 1900, p. 225) it is stated that
the albumin industry established at Hankow lately has made substan-
tial progress. The white ot the egg is employed in numerous indus-
tries, but is principally employed in the manufacture of leather. All
kinds of eggs are employed in the manufacture of albumin, but ducks'
eggs are richest in white and, therefore, most in demand. The eggs

AmAJP°rii;woLrm*} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 199

are broken, the white separated from the yolk, the latter poured into
gigantic reservoirs, mixed with salt to prevent fermentation, thor-
oughly agitated, and shipped in barrels. The egg white is exposed
to the air in open casks, in well-heated rooms, until it attains a cer-
tain degree of fermentation. Then it is drawn off by means of taps,
placed into small open zinc vessels and allowed to stand some time;
subsequently it is dried at a higher temperature, which transforms
the egg albumin into dry friable cakes. In this form the article is
packed into cases and shipped. At present five firms are engaged
in this industry, three German, one Austrian and one French, who
work up, in the aggregate, from 300,000 to 310,000 eggs daily.

L. F. K.

PHENYL- ETHYL ALCOHOL IN ROSE BLOSSOMS.

Ordinary rose oil as usually made never possesses the true odor
of the rose. Many attempts have been made to obtain the true
natural odor of the rose by means of the volatile solvents. It
was found by H. Walbaum (Ber., 1900, 33, 2299) that an oil ob-
tained in this way from the fresh leaves consisted for the greater
part of phenyl-ethyl alcohol, while geraniol is the principal constitu-
ent of oil distilled with water, from fresh leaves. On extracting 90
kilos of the dried rose leaves by means of ether, distilling the ex-
tract in steam, then shaking the distillate with ether and evaporat-
ing the ethereal solution, there was left a brown oil which consisted
for the most part of phenyl-ethyl alcohol. See also Ber., 1900, 33,
1720, and Chemist-and Druggist, 1900, 56, 961. L. F. K.

ROSE OIL, GERMAN.

It has been found that German and Bulgarian rose oils consist
essentially of geraniol and odorless hydrocarbons (Bertram and
Gildemeister, Jour, prakt. Chetn., 1894, 49» Tiemann and

Schmidt {Ber., 29, 923) also found citronellol in Bulgarian oil.
Mixtures of the above do not possess the odor of rose oil, conse-
quently there must be other odoriferous constituents present. FL
Walbaum and K. Stephan [Ber., 1900, 33, 2302) determined to in-
vestigate this matter and for this purpose carefully fractionated,
partly by steam and partly under diminished pressure, 1 1 kilos of
German rose oil and examined the several fractions. This investi-

200 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. {Am'^p"if'wSiarm'

gation has established the presence of the following new constituents
in German rose oil : normal nonylic aldehyde, citral, /-linalool, nor-
mal phenyl-ethyl alcohol and /-citronellol. It should be noted also
that there were indications of other constituents in this oil. The
pertinent observation is made that an explanation is lacking for the
presence of only a trace of the phenyl-ethyl alcohol in ordinary
rose oils and the large quantities of the same alcohol in extracted
oils. L. F. K.

PREPARATION OF TERPIN HYDRATE.

Keutmann [Pharm. Ztg., 43, 296) finds that on mixing one part
of hydrogen peroxide (per cent. ?), two parts of nitric acid and
eight parts of oil of turpentine, then allowing the mixture to stand
a few hours, a copious crop of terpin hydrate crystals will be
formed. L. F. K.

THE PREPARATION OF AN EXACT STANDARD ACID.

C. Longuet Higgins (Joum. Soc. Client. Ind., 19, 958) reviews
the subject in a very satisfactory manner, and the reader is referred
to the original communication for details. The method worked out
by this author is similar to the one first presented by Mr. G. T.
Moody, 1898, Jour. CJiem. Soc, 73, 658, and consists in dissolving a
given weight of pure dry hydrochloric acid in a definite weight of
water. L. F. K.

CONSTITUENTS OF WEST INDIAN SANDALWOOD OIL.

Hugo von Soden and Wilhelm Rojahn (Chem. Centr., 1900, 1274;
Pharm. Zeit.y 1900, p. 878) separate amyroi into components. Of
these the alcohol C15H25OH is present in larger proportion, possesses
boiling point, 2990 ; specific gravity, 0-987 at 150, and a rotation of
-f- 360. The second alcohol appears to have the composition
C15H23.OH and to be optically inactive.

From West Indian sandalwood oil, 01 per cent, of amyrolin,
C14H1203, has been isolated; it crystallizes from methyl alcohol in
stout crystals, is colorless, odorless and tasteless; melts at 11 7°;
dissolves in hot alcohol, giving the solution a blue fluorescence and
in alcoholic potash solutions with a yellowish-green fluorescence.
Amyrolin appears to be an aromatic compound of the character of
a lactone.

AmAprn?i9oiarm'} Pharmacy Laws and Legislation. 201

PHARMACY LAWS AND LEGISLATION.
Contributed by Professor J. H. Beai,, Scio, O.

Under this title it is designed to give each month a brief resume
of proposed and accomplished pharmacy legislation, and of deci-
sions of importance to pharmacy boards and pharmacists. On
account of space limitations, proposed legislation cannot be more
than briefly mentioned, but bills enacted into law will be discussed
and their principal features pointed out. Pharmacy boards and
members of legislative committees and others are requested to send
copies of such measures and news of this kind either to the editor
of this Journal or to Prof. J. H. Beal, Scio, O.

MINNESOTA STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY REPORT.

The citizens of Minnesota are fortunate in having a fairly good
pharmacy statute, and a Board of Pharmacy that is more than
fairly good, in fact one of the most efficient boards in the United
States, the sixteenth annual report of which is a model of what
pharmacy board reports should be.

The report shows 591 pharmacists enrolled on experience at the
time the law was passed, 714 pharmacists enrolled by examination,
and 169 assistant pharmacists.

During the year the board conducted forty-one prosecutions to a
successful issue. Thirty-eight were for failure to keep a registered
pharmacist in charge of the store, the fine being $50 in each case.
Two were for failure to expose certificate of registration, with a
fine of $10 each. In one case, cause of complaint not stated, the
fine assessed was $150. The total of fines assessed was thus $2,070,
which, with the costs added, shows it to be rather expensive to
violate the pharmacy law in Minnesota.

The report also contains the minutes of the several meetings of
the board for the year, the lists of questions asked, and an illus-
tration showing the portable dispensing cabinets used in examining
students in compounding and prescription work.

The finances of the board are in flourishing condition, the cash
balance on hand at the close of 1900 being nearly twice that at the
end of the preceding year.

NEW YORK.

Proposed pharmacy legislation is a live topic in New York State
at present, a number of measures affecting pharmacy having been
already introduced into the legislature.

202 Pharmacy Laws and Legislation. {AmAp0rUii,'i9oiarmr

Prior to the last session of the legislature, New York was afflicted
with four distinct pharmacy laws, one for Erie County, one for
Kings County, one for New York City, and one for the remainder
of the State. After many futile efforts, the pharmacists of that
State succeeded in procuring the enactment of a statute covering
the entire State, and repealing the old ones.

It was not to be expected that a measure which attempted to re-
concile so many conflicting interests could be permanently satisfac-
tory, nor indeed was this the result. The present measure, while
in many respects an improvement over the old condition of four
separate laws and boards of pharmacy, still leaves much to be
desired, and the present agitation must be expected to continue
until either an entirely new measure has .been enacted or until the"
present law has been amended into a more satisfactory shape.

Among the more important of the measures introduced up to
date are the following :

The Donnelly Bill seeks to amend the law so as to permit all
licensed druggists of the eastern section to participate in the elec-
tion of the members of the board for that section, and also provides
that registered assistants may become licensed druggists upon fil-
ing an affidavit as to the possession of the necessary experience ;
that the surplus left after paying the expenses of the board shall be
paid into the State Treasury ; authorizes the State Controller to
examine the books of the board, etc.

The Costello Bill aims to amend the law by extending the lists
of drugs which may be sold by country merchants, and requires the
board of pharmacy to issue permits to compound medicines, fill
prescriptions and sell poisons, to such retail dealers in general
merchandise as shall satisfy the Board of Pharmacy as to their
competency for such purposes.

The Weeks Bill makes it " a misdemeanor for any person, firm or
corporation to sell or offer for sale any adulterated or altered drug,
medicine, pharmaceutical preparation or chemical substance, "
under a penalty of not less than $25 nor more than $100 for each
offence. The bill is said to be specially aimed at the sellers of
adulterated borax.

The Bell Bill is supposed to be aimed at Christian scientists,
osteopaths and similar fakirs, and enlarges the definition of what
shall be considered as the practice of medicine, so that " Any per-

AmAp0r"i,'i9orm'} Pharmacy Laws and Legislation. 203

son shall be regarded as practicing medicine within the meaning of
this act who shall profess to heal or who shall give treatment to
any other person by the use of any remedy, agent or method what-
soever, whether with or without the use of any medicine, drug,
instrument or other appliance, for the relief or cure of any wound,
fracture or body injury, infirmity, physical or mental, or other
defects or disease. This is not to be construed as prohibiting the
manufacture, sale or use of any proprietary or patent medicine
where no diagnosis is made by the maker or seller thereof; or the
giving of temporary relief in an emergency by a registered phar-
macist or any person, or the domestic administration of family
remedies."

One of the numerous measures has already been passed, and
awaits either the Governor's signature or his veto. This is the
" Military Code Bill," and amends the law of 1900 which gave to
pharmacists of the National Guard the rank of first lieutenant.
The bill is said to have been pushed through the legislature by the
surgeons and other officers of the National Guard, who are opposed
to admitting pharmacists to rank because of social reasons.
Whether this be true or not, the measure is a direct affront to the
profession of pharmacy, and it is difficult to see how any self-
respecting pharmacist can hereafter accept an appointment in the
National Guard of the Empire State.

MASSACHUSETTS.

The Cloutier Bill seeks to amend the present law regulating the
granting of liquor licenses to registered druggists by providing that
the fact that a druggist has been convicted of a violation of the
liquor law shall not operate as a forfeiture of his license, nor permit
the pharmacy board to revoke his certificate of registration as a
pharmacist.

Among other bills is one to increase druggist's liquor license
from $1.00 to $500, one making only one signature necessary in
recording sales of liquor, one- requiring members of the Board of
Pharmacy to be graduates of a college of pharmacy, and one requir-
ing the use of preservatives in food or drink to be stated on the
label. Another bill amends the present law against adulterations,
and still another prohibits the substitution of one article when
another is called for.

204

Editorial.

/ Am. Jour. Pharm.
I April, 1901.

MISSOURI.

Bills have been introduced in the Senate and House to amend
the present law so that physicians cannot register upon diplomas
in medicine.

NEW JERSEY.

The New Jersey Legislature is wrestling with a bill to amend the
present pharmacy statute by defining more clearly what shall con-
stitute the unlawful practice of pharmacy, giving the State Board
authority to employ counsel, enlarging the scope of examinations,
and empowering the Board to employ inspectors for the purpose of
detecting violations of the law.

One bill makes it unlawful for any person in the State to refill
any bottle, and another prohibits the adulteration of drugs.

PENNSYLVANIA.

In this State bills have been introduced by Senator Snyder and
Representative Stubb to amend the pharmacy law by " making
additional regulations in regard to the practice of pharmacy, and
the sale of medicines and poisons, enlarging and defining the
powers of the State Pharmaceutical and Examining Board, and
imposing penalties for violation."

The bills, if enacted, will make almost an entirely new pharmacy
law for the State.

REPEAL OF THE STAMP TAX.

It is estimated that the repeal of the special tax on proprietary
medicines will save $4,000,000 annually to the drug trade of the
United States. The law takes effect July 1st, until when medicines
must bear the same stamps as heretofore. The fact that the repeal
was forced in the face of the most determined opposition is a strik-
ing evidence of the force which the pharmaceutical profession of
the United States is capable of exerting when working with any
approach to unanimity.

EDITORIAL.

PHARMACEUTICAL JURISPRUDENCE.

At the Montreal meeting of the American Pharmaceutical Asso-
ciation, Joseph Jacobs proposed (see Proc, 1896, p. 347) that measures

Am. Jour. Pharm.
April, 1901.

Editorial.

205

be taken by the Association to insure an exhaustive and accurate
compilation of every law and every legal decision that bears upon
the practice of pharmacy and the relation of the pharmacist to the
public, the physician and State. He further suggested that this be
recorded under the title of "Laws and Comments" and kept separate
from other matters pertaining to education. His idea was the estab-
lishment of a department on Progress in Pharmaceutical Jurispru-
dence, similar to the department on Progress in Pharmacy. Others
since that time have also referred to this need.

The reports of the Secretary of the Section on Education and
Legislation of the A.Ph.A. must necessarily be more or less in the
nature of statistics, as the office is seldom held by any one person for
more than two years, and just about the time that he is competent to
make a digest of such an important question his office is turned
over to his successor, who again must serve an apprenticeship as his
predecessors have done. These statistics are no doubt of value, and
yet it was evidenced in the discussion at the last meeting (see Proc,
1900, pp. 283, 284) that there may be errors in the compilation owing
to complications in the reports received from the secretaries of the
various boards, and like many other statistics may really not give
the information that is in accord with the facts. It therefore seems
that what is most needed at the present time, when the pharmacists
of the country are being roused to an appreciation of the value
and power of organization and the possibilities of its effect upon
legislation, is that some one who is competent for such a work shall
present from time to time, as may be deemed necessary, a succinct
account of the progress in Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence, this report
to include amendments of old statutes and the enactments of new
ones as they are made, and the recording of various court decisions
of a nature affecting pharmacy, and all other matters relating to
pharmacy laws and legislation ; also a discussion of bills which are
likely to be modified in their passage, if passed at all, and the criti-
cism of individual statutes after they are enacted into laws.

The editorial management of the American Journal of Pharmacy
has not heretofore devoted much space to the matter of Pharmaceu-
tical Jurisprudence, because the subject is one requiring the direction
of an expert of unusual ability and training. It must be conceded
that unless such a work, as outlined, is accomplished by an authority
much harm can be done a cause requiring a strong hand for its

206

Pharmaceutical Meeting.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
April, 1901.

successful direction. The excellent work that has been done during
the last five years in the American Pharmaceutical Association has
been crystallized out largely under the direction of Prof. J. H,
Beal, Scio, O. Beginning with his paper (Proc, 1896, p. 319) on
" A Comparative Exhibit of Pharmacy Laws in the United States,"
and extending to his " Draft of a Model Pharmacy Law " (Proc,
1900, p. 284), Professor Beal has shown a remajkable grasp of the
situation and has come as one whose influence is universally conceded
to be beneficent to the cause of pharmacy legislation. Professor
Beal has had an experience as a retail pharmacist, a training in
law, a familiarity with the different methods of education, and a
wide personal experience in securing legislative enactments, all of
which qualify him to do just such work as is needed at this time to
benefit the public, the State, the physician and the pharmacist.

It is with pleasure that we announce that Professor Beal has con-
sented to present from time to time, as may seem necessary, to our
readers a critical survey ot the present status of pharmaceutical laws
4 and legislation. It is particularly desirable that the secretaries of
the various State Boards, the chairmen of the various committees
appointed by local, State or national associations to consider new
pharmacy laws or amendments to old pharmacy laws and that others
who can in any way contribute in correspondence or in any other way?
address Professor Beal or the editor of this Journal, in order that
nothing of importance shall fail to be recorded and that the pharma-
cists of the different States may profit by the actions of the others.
As Professor Beal . said (Proc, 1896, p. 345) on another occasion,
4t The existence in forty States of as many different laws of the
same subject will yield approximately the same volume of experience
in one year that could be gained in forty years with one legislative
body. Moreover, it enables us to compare the merits of different
enactments working side by side, under nearly the same conditions."

PHARMACEUTICAL MEETING.

The sixth of the series of pharmaceutical meetings of the Phila-
delphia College of Pharmacy for 1900-1901 was held on Tuesday,
March 19, 1901. Prof. Samuel P. Sadtler presided. The meet_
ing was one of the most successful of the year in attendance and in-
terest manifested in the various matters presented.

Am. Jour. Pharm.\
April, 1901. J

PJiarmaceutical Meeting.

207

Prof. Virgil Coblentz, of the College of Pharmacy of the city of New
York, who is well known as a writer, teacher and expert in pharmaceu-
tical and industrial chemistry, presented a paper on " Recent Devel-
opments in the Study of the Relationship between Chemical Constitu-
tion and Physiological Action of Organic Compounds." The speaker
said that there is a close relationship between chemical constitution
and physiological action, as shown by the fact that certain changes in
chemical structure or constitution cause like changes in the physi-
ological action of similar bodies; and, furthermore, that the addi-
tion of certain groups to compounds of different action produces
bodies of similar physiological action, or are alike rendered inactive.
(1) The methylating of different alkaloids of different physiologic
action produces compounds which paralyze all the motoric nerve
terminals like curarin. (2) The introduction of the carboxyl or the
sulphonic acid groups into bodies of well-defined toxic properties
results in a marked diminution or total destruction of their action,
as, for example, morphine sulphonic acid in dose of 5 grammes is
harmless. (3) Bodies containing a tertiary nitrogen, and possessing
slight or no toxic properties, become very poisonous through reduc-
tion and formation of an imido group. Thus pyridin is more toxic
than collidin. (4) The introduction of hydroxyl groups into aliphatic
bodies modifies their action, this decreasing with their increase in
number. Thus the presence of this group in caffeine destroys its
effect. The influence of the hydroxyl group is observed in the vari-
ous derivatives of morphine, as codeine, dionin, peronin and heroin.
(5) The replacement of a hydroxyl by an alkyl rest renders the entire
body chemically and pharmacologically more resistant to oxidation
in the system. Thus the introduction of an oxyethyl group into caf-
feine gives the latter an additional narcotic action. (6) The introduc-
tion of chlorin into aliphatic compounds produces bodies of a more or
less narcotic action, whereas, if the substituted body belongs to the
aromatic series, active antiseptics result, (j) Iodine imparts to all
bodies of both series strong antiseptic properties. (8) The researches
of Loew seem to show that bodies with a double linkage are more
toxic than the corresponding saturated ones.

In referring to the relationship between taste and chemical con-
stitution, Professor Coblentz said that the hydroxyl and amido groups
are taste generators, and that the presence of a carboxyl group pro-
duces in all cases a sour taste. The natural glucosides are bitter,

208

Pliarmacentical Meeting.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
April, 1901.

because they are mostly phenol derivatives. Disagreeable tastes are
remedied usually by the conversion of the substance into an insoluble
compound, which is then split up by the secretions in the intestinal
canal.

The author, in closing, referred to the intestinal antiseptics, anti-
pyretics, anaesthetics and proprietary combinations. The paper will
be published in full in a later issue of this Journal.

In the discussion which followed, Professor Sadtler said that if it
were so easy as Professor Coblentz had indicated to make the com-
pound desired, it would help to clear up such questions in litigation
as involved the question whether or not the product is an inven-
tion. In reply to Wallace Procter as to whether the processes are
not intricate, Professor Coblentz said that in some cases the process
is exceedingly simple, as in the production of cocaine from ecgo-
nine, whereas in others it is difficult. He further said that many
compounds which readily break up in a test-tube do not on a manu-
facturing scale, and vice versa. The results which will be obtained
cannot always be determined in advance. He said that there was a
great amount, of difficulty in this country to carry on this kind of
work, and that there were a number of reasons why such work could
be carried on more advantageously abroad than here ; for one thing
tax-free alcohol offers advantages to foreign manufacturers ; also
they are willing to employ from 50 to 100 chemists; to wait for
results ; and are satisfied with negative as well as positive results ;
the former being not infrequently more valuable to them than the
latter.

Mr. M. I. Wilbert said that he had found difficulty in preparing
sterilized solutions of cocaine and at the same time preventing their
hydrolysis. Mr. Gordon said that inasmuch as distilled water was
slightly alkaline, he had prepared sterile cocaine solutions with
slightly acidified distilled water. Dr. Wendell Reber said that as a
local anaesthetic to mucous membranes eucaine B deservedly holds
a high place, and is widely used. Moreover, the recent experience
of surgeons has demonstrated its almost perfect adaptability to the
production of complete insensibility of the body below the waist line
by injection of its solutions into the spinal column. He wished that
Dr. Coblentz had said something about the synthesis of holocain and
its relation to the rest of these synthetics. To the eye surgeon holo-
cain is the nearest approach, so far, to the ideal local anaesthetic for

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
April, 1901. J

PJiarmacentical Meeting.

209

four reasons: (1) Its solutions may be boiled and remain stable (a
point of immeasurable superiority over cocaine). (2) It is cheaper
than cocaine. (3) It produces practically no dilatation of the pupil.
(4) It does not loosen the epithelium with which the front surface of
the eye (the cornea) is paved as does cocaine ; and, finally (5), its
point of greatest superiority, it possesses distinctly antiseptic proper-
ties, and is therefore also its own preservative when in solution. This
renders it an ideal agent for the after-treatment of cinders and other
non-penetrating foreign bodies in the eye. Its one disadvantage is
that because of its extreme toxicity when internally used, it cannot
be introduced under the skin or into the cavity of the spinal col-
umn, as can cocaine and eucaine B. For such purposes it is dis-
tinctly inferior to cocaine, and especially in spinal puncture to eu-
caine B.

Mr. F. W. E. Stedem said that in his work in urinalysis he had
experienced considerable trouble in determining sugar when the
patient had been taking various of the synthetics. Professor
Coblentz commended the phenylhydrazine test for the detection of
sugar in urine where the newer synthetics had been administered.
Mr. F. T. Gordon employs the customary fermentation test. Pro-
fessor Moerk said that there were several works in which the authors
treated of the influence of synthetics on the usual tests employed
in such work. Dr. E. Spaeth in his work considers a large number
of synthetics, with means for detecting them in urine.

Professor Kraemer referred to the important work which is be-
ing developed in this country by both plant and animal physiolo-
gists in showing the relationship between the radicals, or especially
tons j of certain chemical compounds in solution to plant and animal
functions ; and said that Dr. Jacques Loeb had recently shown, for
instance, that there could be no heart beat unless sodium ions were
present, and on this basis had shown the value of sodium chloride
solutions in prolonging and saving life. He has even gone further
and shown the important role that potassium and magnesium ions
play in carrying on certain fundamental life processes.

Mr. Lyman F. Kebler presented a paper on " The Physical and
Chemical Examinations of Oils of Sandalwood, Lavender and
Thyme," in which he stated that the amount of some one import-
ant constituent was of more significance than physical tests. This
paper will be published in full in a later issue of this Journal.

210 Pharmaceutical Meeting. { AmApOiui90hiarm'

Professor Coblentz said that in an examination that he had made of
oils of bergamot and lavender he had found no relationship to
exist between the ester content and aroma ; in fact the inverse ratio
seemed to hold. He said that perfumers judged these oils by odor
and had not found the chemical tests to check the results based on
odor ; that the Italians were particularly adept in raising the ester
value of these oils without increasing their aroma.

In the absence of the donor, Professor Sadtler exhibited a jar
which had been presented to the College by Mr. Howard B. French,
and which was used formerly in transporting olive oil across
the Egyptian deserts on the backs of camels. It was interesting
on account of it being a kind of container that is seldom, if ever,
seen at the present time.

Mr. W. E. Ridenour presented a' specimen of a bezoar, which was
taken from the stomach of a Texas steer. Mr. Wiegand presented,
in behalf of W. C. Wescott, Atlantic City, a decimal platform scale.

An interesting note was furnished by Mr. W. E. Ridenour on the
value of the carat as expressed in the metric system. He said that
some time ago he was called upon to weigh a diamond and to state the
weight in jeweler's terms, carats and fractions. It was necessary to find
the equivalent in the metric system, as his weights were of the latter,
and in looking the matter up found the following clipping from the
Mining and Scientific Press, October 27, 1900: " The weight by
which diamonds and precious stones are calculated is : 4 grains =
1 carat; 157^ carats — 1 ounce, Troy. A fine diamond, perfectly
white and pure, weighing 1 carat is worth $100 ; 2 carats, $400 ; 4
carats, $1,100; 5 carats, $1,750."

The diamond weighed -327 gramme, and according to the above
data he reported its weight to be ij^ carats. His report was made
in the presence of the diamond salesman, who became indignant, as
he had claimed the weight to be 1 carat \ — -Jg- and The dia-

mond was subsequently taken to several jewelers and the weight of
1 carat i- — and JT was verified in each case. Mr. Ridenour
then weighed several 1 carat weights and found them all to weigh
•205 gramme, being 055 gramme lighter than stated in the
Mining and Scientific Press. This was subsequently confirmed by
Mr. Henry Troemner, Philadelphia; so therefore 1 carat = -205
gramme == 3T2^ grains.

H. K.

THE AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY

MAY, iqoi.

CONTRIBUTIONS FROM H. M. GORDIN.

( Concluded from p. 168. )
NUX VOMICA. STANDARD METHOD.

This drug is very difficult to exhaust completely. After trying
several neutral, as well as acid menstrua, the following method
was found to work well. Though in this method acid is used, the
method can nevertheless be used as a standard, it being well known
that the strychnos alkaloids are not easily affected by dilute acids.

Ten grammes of drug in No. 60 powder were moistened in a screw
top jar with 5 c.c. of a menstruum containing 75 per cent, alcohol
and 2 per cent, phosphoric acid. The jar was then covered and
set aside for forty-eight hours. The drug was then put in a small
percolator, the jar washed out several times with the same men-
struum, the washings poured on top of the drug and more of the
same menstruum added till the liquid reached the lower orifice
(about 23 c.c. menstruum was used). The percolator was then
closed and set aside for twelve hours. The percolation was then
continued very slowly with a menstruum containing 75 per cent,
alcohol and about one-quarter of I per cent, phosphoric acid till
about 200 c.c. were obtained. The first 10 c.c. were received into
a 100 c.c. measuring flask and the rest concentrated in vacuo, first
at about 45 0 C.,and then at ordinary temperature till the percolate
was reduced to about 60 c.c. The concentrated extract was then
added to the reserved portion, the vessel in which the concentra-
tion took place washed with water and the whole made up to 100
c.c. This was shaken about one-half hour with talcum powder,

(211)

212 Contributions from H. M. Gordin. { Am-May^S.arm~

filtered, and from 20 c.c. of the filtrate (= 2 grammes of drug),
after making alkaline with ammonia, the alkakoids were shaken out
three times with a mixture of three parts of ether and one part
chloroform, using 30 c.c. of this mixture each time. After distilling
off the ether-chloroform, the alkaloids were taken up with a little

chloroform, then 20 c.c. acid added, and the last trace of chloro-

form removed by a current of air. The final estimation was then

made alkalimetrically, using — alkali for residual titration and

Mayer's reagent as precipitant. The dregs in the percolator were
tested for alkaloid as described above. None were found either by
reagents or by taste.

The amount of acid consumed by 2 grammes of the drug

assayed by this standard method was found to be 7-2 c.c. = 3-27
total alkaloids (taking the mean factor of strychnine and brucine).

Having assayed the drug by this method, method A was applied,
continuing the boiling for six hours, but the results were far below
those obtained by the standard method, but method B, after reduc-
ing the drug to a very fine powder (about No. 100), gave results
approaching very near those obtained by the standard method.

Two assays were then made by method B, digesting 4 grammes
of the finely powdered drug with 50 c.c. of modified Prollius'
fluid, shaking (in shaker) four hours, drawing off 25 c.c. (=
2 grammes drug), and shaking out with acid water. The acid
solution was made alkaline with ammonia, and the alkaloids
shaken out three times with a mixture of two parts chloroform and
one part ether, using 30 c.c. of this mixture each time. The ether-
chloroform was distilled off completely, the residue taken up with

20 c.c. J^L H2S04 and a little chloroform, and the chloroform re-
40

moved by blowing air into the flask. The estimation was finished
in the regular way.

Method Used £ ^ C°nSUmed Percentage of

ivietnoa Lsea. by 2 Grammes. Total Alkaloids.

Standard 7*2 c.c. 3*27

B 6-9 c.c. 3*14

B (duplicate) 6*8 c.c. 3*09

The results obtained by method B are a little lower than those
obtained by the standard method, but they are the best I was able

AmMa^i9oiarnJ'} Contributions from H. M. Gordin. 213

to obtain from several other methods. Possibly by further trials
another method might be found, the results of which will approach
those obtained by the standard method better than those obtained
by method B.

CINCHONA BARK.

After several trials the method given below was found to give
good results. As in the case of nux vomica, an acid menstruum
had to be resorted to, no neutral menstruum with or without gly-
cerine giving complete exhaustion. As acetic acid did not improve
much the exhaustion, diluted hydrochloric acid was taken. The
assay was made with a view of estimating the total alkaloids as well
as the ether soluble alkaloids. As alkalimetric factor of ether solu-
ble alkaloids, the mean diacid factor of quinine and cinchonidine
N

was taken, which for acid is 0-003 85. 1

THE STANDARD METHOD.

Ten grammes of cinchona bark in No. 60 powder were moistened
with 5 c.c. of a mixture containing 50 per cent, alcohol and 2 per
cent, hydrochloric acid, and the extraction finished in the same way
as that of nux vomica, using hydrochloric acid instead of phosphoric.
After concentration in vacuo, the liquid was made up to 100 c.c, fil-
tered, and 25 c.c. of the filtrate (2-5 grammes drug), after making
strongly alkaline with sodium hydrate, were shaken out three times
with a mixture of three parts ether and one part chloroform, using
30 ex. each time. The ether-chloroform was shaken up with a lit-
tle calcined magnesia, filtered into a tared flask, the vessel and filter
well washed with ether-chloroform, and the liquid completely
removed by distillation. After drying the flask at 1300 C. for one
hour, it was cooled in desiccator and weighed. This gave the total
alkaloids in 2-5 grammes of drug.

To the flask containing the total alkaloids, 10 c.c. absolute ether
and a few grammes coarse clean quartz was added and the flask
shaken in a horizontal plane till all the adhering matter was rubbed
off by the quartz from the walls; the liquid was then filtered through
a small dry filter into another flask, the first flask, the quartz and
the filter washed three times with absolute ether, using 5 c.c. each

As will be shown in a subsequent paper.

214 Contributions from H. M. Got din. {^m'^;^Tax'

time, and the ether completely distilled off. The residue of the
ether soluble alkaloids was now taken up with a little chloroform
N

and 40 c.c sulphuric acid, the chloroform removed by a current

of air from foot bellows and the alkaloids estimated alkalimetrically,
N

using — alkali for residual titration, and a 2 per cent, solution of

iodine in potassium iodide as precipitant. The completeness of ex-
haustion was proved by testing the dregs in the percolator, as
described above.

Using this method as a standard, several other more expedient
methods were tried. None gave as good results when compared
with the standard as method B. Two assays were then made by
method B, using 10 grammes1 of the same bark reduced to a very
fine powder for each assay, digesting with 100 c.c. modified Prol-
lius' fluid, drawing off 25 c.c. (= 2-5 grammes of drug) and shaking
out with acid water. The acid solution was then shaken out with
light ether-chloroform and the assay finished exactly as in the
standard method. The results were as follows:

Total Alkaloids To AcId Coasumed P™™*^ ,

Method Used. from 2-5 Grammes. by 2-5 Grammes. Total. Kther Soluble.

Standard . . . 0*1702 gramme 23*2 c.c. 6*8i 3*57

B 0*1682 gramme 23-4 c.c. 6*73 3*60

B (duplicate) . 0*1693 gramme 23*3 c.c. 6*76 3*58

As method B gives practically the same results as the standard
method, this method B should be adopted for the assay of cinchona
bark.

IPECAC.

This is another drug which is extremely difficult of exhaustion.
The following method was found to give the best results:

Ten grammes of drug in No. 60 powder were shaken two days in a
shaker with 100 c.c. of a menstruum containing 50 per cent, alcohol
and 2 per cent, acetic acid, the whole was then thrown into a perco-
lator, returning the first parts to the percolator till the percolate
came out clear, and the percolation continued with 50 per cent,
alcohol containing about one-quarter of 1 per cent, of acetic acid, till
exactly 600 c.c. were obtained. 150 c.c. of the percolate (=2*5

1 If the drug is of a poor quality, 20 grammes should be taken for the assay
and both the menstruum and the aliquot part doubled.

Am^-]9p05.arm-} Contributions from H. M. Got din. 215

grammes) was made alkaline with ammonia and shaken out four
times with a mixture of four parts ether and one chloroform, using
200 c.c. of this mixture each time. The ether-chloroform was dis-
tilled off completely, the residue taken up with about 10 c.c. of
acidulated (1 per cent.) water, and the liquid filtered into a small sep-
arator, washing the vessel from which the ethereal liquid was distilled
and the filter repeatedly with small quantities of acidulated water.
The alkaloid was now shaken out with heavy ether-chloroform (1 ether,
2 chloroform) and ammonia, and the ether-chloroform completely
distilled off. The residue was taken up with a little chloroform
N

and 20 c.c. sulphuric acid, and after the removal of the chloro-

form by a current of air, the assay was finished alkalimetrically,
using Mayer's reagent as precipitant. The dregs in the percolator
were tested for alkaloid as usual, but none was found.

Using this as a standard, I assayed the drug by many different
methods, but no method gave as good results as those obtained by
the standard method. Those obtained by method B, after reduc-
ing the drug to a No. 100 powder, came nearest to those obtained
by the standard.

~ Acid Consumed percentage of
Method Used. by 2*5 Grammes. Alkaloid.

Standard . 11*5 c.c. 2*92

A .................. 9'6 c.c. 2 43

B . io*2 c.c. 2*59

It will be noticed that 000635 was taken as the factor of emetine

for each cubic centimetre of — acid. This is based upon the as-

sumption that the formula of emetine is C30H40N2O5 (Kunz Krause,
Arch. d. Pharm., 225, 461 : 232, 466) and that the salts of emetine
correspond to the formula CggH^NoCh 2A where A is one molecule
of a monobasic acid. As this formula is not yet accepted all around,1
the above factor will possibly have to be slightly changed. But as
in the present case determinations were only made with a view of
comparing the results obtained by the standard method with those
obtained by the simpler methods, it is immaterial what factor we
use provided it be the same in all cases. The only fact that re-

1Lefort and Wurz, An. Chitn. Phys. (5), 12, 247 ; Glenard, ibid., 8, 233 ; Paul
and Cownley, Pharm. J. (3), 24, 6r.

2i6 Contributions from H. M. Gordin. { AmMIa°yuri9^' >arrr-

quires to be proved is that emetine, like most other alkaloids, can
be exactly estimated by my alkalimetric method.1 Though this
could be admitted a priori, for the reason that emetine is precipi-
tated by Mayer's and Wagner's reagents from extremely dilute
slightly acid solutions, it was thought best to bring experimental
proof of the exactness of the alkalimetric estimation of this alka-
loid. For the establishment of this fact also it is immaterial what
the real formula of emetine is. All that we need to prove is that
if we standardize our acid and alkali with definite amounts of this
alkaloid, and in this way deduce a factor for our standard liquids,
this factor will give exact results with other quantities of the same
alkaloid.

N \

A dilute (about — ) solution of sulphuric acid was standardized

40 /

against a dilute solution of KOH, using phenolphtalein as indi-
cator, so that the acid and alkali corresponded exactly cubic centi-
metre per cubic centimetre.. 0-0926 gramme of emetine (Merck's)
was now dissolved in 50 c.c. of this dilute acid contained in a IOO c.c.
measuring flask. An excess of Mayer's reagent was added, and the
flask filled up to 100 c.c. After a few shakings the precipitate sep-
arated out completely and the supernatant liquid became perfectly
transparent. The liquid was now filtered, and in 50 c.c. of the fil-
trate the excess of acid determined by means of the alkali. It was
found that the 0-0926 gramme emetine consumed 14 c.c. of our
acid. Hence 1 c.c. of our acid was equivalent to 0*0066 gramme
of our emetine.

Two samples of the alkaloid were now weighed out and the
amounts estimated exactly as above, using the factor 0-0066 for
each cubic centimetre of acid.

Our Acid Our Acid Emetine by

Emetine Taken. Taken. Consumed. Factor 0 0066.

(1) .... 0*1829 75 c.c. 27*6 c.c. 0*1822

(2) .... 0*1071 30 c.c. 16*4 c.c. 0*1082

We see that the alkalimetric method gives as good results with
emetine as with quinine,2 cinchonidine,2 morphine, atropine, cocaine,
strychnine, hydrastine, caffeine and acid salts of berberine.3

1 The application of the method to the cinchona alkaloids I shall show in
my next paper.

2 Will be shown later.

3 This will be shown in another paper.

AmMa"'iShrm'} Contributions from H. M. Got din. 217

II. ASSAY OF CONIUM SEED OR LEAVES.

The assay of this drug presents considerable difficulty. Owing
to the volatility of confine even at ordinary temperature, its solu-
tions in immiscible solvents cannot be evaporated without loss, and
as the alkaloid is not completely precipitated by Mayer's or Wag-
ner's reagents, it cannot be estimated by my general method. The
method which I have found to give excellent results is a modifica-
tion of the method of Cripps,1 and its details are as follows : 2

Put 20 grammes of finely powdered conium into a 300 c.c.
glass-stoppered bottle, pour in 200 c.c. of a previously prepared
mixture of one volume of chloroform and three volumes ether,
shake about five minutes, add 10 c.c. liquor potassa, shake fre-
quently during four hours, and set aside over night. Pipette off
100 c.c. of the clear liquid into a 300 c.c. flask, add 10 c.c. of a 2
per cent, solution of oxalic acid in alcohol and mix well. Distil
off the liquid completely, removing the last traces by blowing aif
into the flask while keeping it on the water-bath. Let cool, add 10
c.c. absolute alcohol, warm gently and cool again. Filter the alco-
holic solution into a wide beaker, washing the flask, and filter
three times with 5 c.c. each time of absolute alcohol. Evaporate
the alcohol almost completely from a warm water-bath, add 10 c.c.
water and pour into a 25 c.c. measuring flask, cool, and fill up to
the mark with water. Add about 2 grammes talcum, shake well
and filter through a small dry filter. Pipette off 12 5 c.c. (= 5
grammes drug) into a 100 c.c. separator, add 25 c.c. petroleum
ether (boiling below 6o° C. and leaving no residue on evaporation)
and 5 c.c. of a 10 per cent, solution of KOH. Shake well and set
aside until the liquid separates into two layers. Draw off lower
layer into a 50 c.c. separator, add to it 20 c.c. petroleum ether, and
shake. After separation into two layers, draw off lower layer into
a beaker and pour contents of second separator into the first one.
Return the aqueous liquid to the smaller separator and shake it
again with 20 c.c. petroleum ether. Draw off aqueous layer and
pour the petroleum ether from the second into the first separator.

1 Pharm. J. Trans. (3), 18, 13, 511 ; Allen, " Commerc. Org. Anal.," Vol.
Ill, part II, 1892, 176.

2 Later on I intend to test the exactness of this method by comparing its
results with those obtained by some standard method as given in the previous
paper.

21 8 Contributions from H. M. Gordin. {Am-^/;^xm-

Test a few drops of the aqueous liquid, after acidulating, with
Wagner's reagent. If no reaction, reject it. If a reaction is ob-
tained, shake the liquid again with 20 c.c. petroleum ether in the
second separator, reject aqueous liquid and transfer the petroleum
ether from the second to the first separator. Now add about 05
gramme MgO to the petroleum ether and shake well about fifteen
minutes. Filter into a 300 c.c. flask, washing separator and filter
repeatedly with petroleum ether and keeping funnel covered with
a watch-glass. Add 50 c.c. of a perfectly clear saturated solution
of HC1 gas in absolute ether,1 mix well and distil off the solvent
from a warm water-bath completely, removing last traces by
means of a current of dry air. Now add to the flask 25 or 30 c.c.

5. AgN03 and then 5 c.c. 10 per cent. HN03. Put on water-bath,.

and when the supernatant liquid becomes clear, cool the flask,
transfer its contents into a 100 c.c. measuring flask, and make up
the whole to 100 c.c. Filter, add to 50 c.c. of the filtrate 5 c.c. test
solution of ferric alum and titrate the excess of silver nitrate with

— potassium sulphocyanate in the usual way.
40

The number of cubic centimetres of AgNOs consumed by the

5 grammes drug multiplied by 0-0635 gives the per cent, of coniine
in the drug.

III. ASSAY OF FLUID EXTRACT CINCHONA.

In a previous paper2 I have given a general method for the
assay of fluid extracts. As given there, the assay of fluid cinchona
gives only the total alkaloids, but as it seems desirable to have a
method that would show both the total and the ether soluble alka-

1 If water be present in the ether, the ethereal solution of HC1 will be turbid,
and when the ether is distilled off from the coniine hydrochloride, the acid
becomes concentrated in the last aqueous portions and colors the alkaloid
greenish-red. If ether containing some water be saturated with gaseous HCL.
and the solution set aside for a few hours, all the water will settle down, taking
along most of the HC1 ; if the ether be now poured off from the aqueous layer
and again saturated with HC1, it will be perfectly clear and free from water.
The HC1 is best generated by dropping commercial hydrochloric acid from a
dropping funnel into concentrated acid and washing the gas by passing it
through a small quantity of sulphuric acid.

2 Arch. d. Pharm., 1900, 340 ; Proceed. A. Ph. A., 1900, 125.

AmMay?i9oi.arm'} Contributions from H, M. Gordin. 219

loids, I propose the following method which has given me very good
results :

Put 10 c.c. of the fluid extract into a 50 c.c. measuring flask and fill
up to the mark with a 2 per cent, solution of sulphuric acid. Add
about 1 or 2 grammes powdered talcum, shake vigorously a
minute or two and filter through a dry filter. By means of a
pipette or a burette transfer 25 c.c. (= 5 c.c. extract) into a separating
funnel having a capacity of about 125 to 150 c.c. Add into the
separator 40 c.c. of a mixture of three volumes of ether and one
volume of choloroform, then add a considerable excess of a 10 per
cent, solution of potassium hydrate, and shake well a few minutes.
Set aside until the mixture has separated into two layers. There
is generally no emulsion at all. Should there be one, the addition
of a little more potassium hydrate will generally destroy it. Draw
off the lower layer into a second smaller separating funnel, add to it
about 20 c.c. of the same ether-chloroform mixture and shake again
a few minutes. After separation into two layers, draw off the
lower layer into a beaker and carefully pour the ethereal liquid
from the smaller into the larger separator. Return the aqueous
liquid to the smaller separator and shake out once more with about
20 c.c. of above ether-chloroform mixture. When the liquids have
separated into two layers, draw off the lower layer, which can now
be rejected, and carefully pour again the ethereal liquid from the
second into the first, larger separator. Now add into the separator
1 gramme of calcined magnesia, and shake until the ethereal
liquid, upon a few minutes' standing, separates out crystal clear. If
it does not become perfectly clear, add a little more magnesia and
shake. Now filter through a dry filter into a light tared flask,
washing the separator and the filter repeatedly with ether, and dis-
til off the ethereal solvent completely, taking care to prevent loss
by spurting.1 Dry the flask for two hours at I30°C, and after
cooling in desiccator, weigh. The weight multiplied by twenty
gives the per cent, of total alkaloids in the extract.

For the estimation of ether soluble alkaloids, add into the flask a
few grammes of clean coarse quartz and then 10 c.c. of stronger
ether, then give the flask a circular motion in a horizontal plane
till all adhering matter is detached from the sides of the flask. Now

This can be done by laying the flask on its side.

220

Oxygenated Petrolatum,

Am. .lour. Pharrc.
May. 3901.

filter the ethereal solution into a small flask, washing the quartz
and the filter three or four times with stronger ether, using 5 c.c.
each time. Add to the ethereal solution 20 or 25 c.c.
N

of — H2S04, mix carefully by gentle rotation, and distil off the
10

ether completely, removing the last traces by a current of air.
Cool and transfer the acid solution to a 200 c.c. measuring flask,
washing the distilling flask repeatedly with water. Add to the
measuring flask an excess of Wagner's reagent, make the liquid up
to 200 c.c. and shake till supernatant liquid is perfectly clear but
dark red. Filter off 100 c.c, decolorize with enough sodium thio-

sulphate solution and titrate excess of acid with potassium hy-

100

drate, using phenolphtalein as indicator. The number of cubic centi-
N

metres of _ acid consumed by the 5 c.c. of the extract multiplied by
10

0-308 1 gives the percentage of ether soluble alkaloids in the extract.
Laboratory of

The Wm. S. Merrell Chemical Company,
Cincinnati, O.

OXYGENATED PETROLATUM.
By M. I. WiivBKRT.

For several years a proprietary preparation has been on the mar-
ket known by and sold under the trade-marked name " Vasogen."
This article is claimed to be " a more or less oxygenated mineral oil
that combines readily with active medicaments, for which it acts as
an ideal vehicle, facilitating their absorption and intensifying their
activity." The claims made by the manufacturers in favor v of this
preparation, its usefulness and advantages, are so numerous and
sweeping that the American agents have been able to create quite
a demand for several of the preparations of Vasogen, despite the
almost prohibitory price asked for them in this country.

In Germany this and similar preparations of mineral oils seem to
be better known and more extensively used. Quite a number of
articles have appeared, from time to time, in the medical journals of
Germany, reporting on the use and advantages of oxygenated vase-

1 This factor is obtained by taking the mean diacid factor of quinine and
cinchonidine ; the exactness of the factor will be shown in my next paper.

Am. Jour. Piiarm. )
3Iay, 1901 . J

Oxygenated Petrolatum.

221

line as a base and vehicle for active drugs. The writer's attention
was especially attracted by an article, contributed to the Fharmaceu-
tische Centralhalle (1900, ^p. 631), by G. Roch, in which the author
describes " Vasogen " and its physical properties, and also gives a
formula for making an article that is nearly identical in appearance
and in many of its other qualities. The formula given by Roch is
as follows: Liquid paraffine, ico; oleic acid, 50; aqua ammonia,
Ph. Ger., 25 ; alcohol, 10. Mix in a flask or beaker and heat on a
water-bath, stirring constantly, until the liquid is perfectly clear and
transparent. The resulting product is practically a solution of an
ammonia soap in liquid paraffine.

A preparation oi this kind seemed to offer so many possibilities
for practical application that the writer was induced to make some
experiments with a view7 of still further simplifying the formula, so
as to avoid, if possible, the rather tedious process of boiling. The
following formula was finally adopted as giving a satisfactory pro-
duct with little or no possibility of failure, even in the hands of the
veriest tyro: Liquid paraffine, 100; oleic acid, 50 ; spirits of am-
monia, U.S. P., 25. Mix. The resulting mixture is a yellow, oily
liquid that readily dissolves iodine, salol, salicylic acid and many of
the alkaloids, mixes readily with chloroform and the essential oils,
and makes a stable emulsion with water in almost any proportion.
The alcohol remaining in the preparation does not seem to be a
disadvantage, or to interfere in any way with the properties of the
compound. For these reasons it has not been deemed necessary to
get rid of it.

It has been the practice, at the German Hospital, to designate
distinctive compounds and substitutes for proprietary preparations
with a more or less original and descriptive title, the object being
to facilitate the writing of orders or prescriptions during the busy
hours of the day, and to avoid, if possible, any violation of the ex-
isting patent or trade-mark laws of the country. Following this
established precedent, the name or title decided on for this mixture
was a combination of the initial parts of the words petrolatum and 4
oxygen, and it is as " Petrox" that we shall refer to this compound
in the remaining portion of these remarks.

Petrox, in addition to its solvent action on many of the more ac-
tive medicinal compounds, also facilitates the absorption of these
drugs when applied to the skin or mucous membranes. The exten-

222

Oxygenated Petrolatum.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
April, 1901.

sive employment of a number of the possible compounds has
demonstrated their usefulness in quite a variety of ways. To enu-
merate some of these, we may say that, as a simple lubricant for
massage, this combination offers the advantage of being smoother
and more slippery than many simple oils, more cleanly than starch
or talcum, and in addition to this, any excess is readily washed
away with soap and water.

As a liniment, it makes a good vehicle for the administration of
such drugs as chloroform, camphor, turpentine or any of the vola-
tile oils. As an inunction, it facilitates the absorption of such
active remedies as iodine, creosote, guaiacol, ichthyol and salicylic
acid. As a local application it is useful, and makes an excellent
vehicle for such drugs as iodoform, beta-naphthol, sulphur, tar and
carbolic acid. In addition to this, it may be used as a vehicle for the
internal administration of such drugs as iodine, guaiacol, creosote
and many other more or less caustic and irritating drugs and com-
pounds.

When any of these preparations are to be taken internally, the
patient should be directed to put the required dose of the petrox
compound into a bottle with the required amount of water or other
liquid, and give the mixture a vigorous shake, so as to thoroughly
incorporate or emulsify the active ingredient or drug with the
liquid.

In addition to this liquid petrox, a solid form, to be used as an
ointment base, is readily made by substituting a hard petrolatum
for the liquid. For this solid preparation sufficient heat must be
applied to melt the petrolatum, the oleic acid is then added, and
just before the mixture has cooled sufficiently to set, the spirit of
ammonia is added, and the whole mass is then stirred until cold.
This mixture answers admirably for ointments where the absorption
of the active medicinal ingredient is the chief object sought, and,
therefore, it may be used to advantage with such drugs as mercury,
potassium iodide, sodium salicylate and many others.

There are interesting possibilities in any or all of these combina-
tions and the base itself is sufficiently inexpensive to warrant the
making of a quantity by the pharmacist, and in turn calling the
attention of his neighboring physicians to its possibilities, advan-
tages as a vehicle for the external and also internal administration
of many active drugs.

February, 1901.

AmMay!"Sarm'} Oil of Sandalwood, Lavender and Thyme. 223

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL EXAMINATIONS OF OIL OF
SANDALWOOD, LAVENDER AND THYME.

By Lyman F. Kkbi.br.

The quality of an essential oil is influenced in many ways, the
locality in which the plant is grown, nature of the soil, humidity of
the air, drought, elevation, cultivation, methods of distillation, etc.
For example, lavender oil prepared from flowers grown in the lower
mountainous regions of the Alps is inferior to that distilled from
flowers collected at an elevation of 5,000 feet, and the oil obtained
from flowers cultivated in England is of a much different quality
than that made from the wild alpine flowers. Prolonged distillation
undoubtedly has a marked influence ; oxidizing some products and
decomposing others. Mr. H. Laval,1 in a very interesting and in-
structive paper on lavender oil, deals, in part, with the various
distillation methods employed, and according to his observations it
would not be surprising to meet with as many qualities of oil, from
the same locality, as there are methods of distillation employed.

In order to differentiate between good and poor oils, the nasal
organ as well as physical and chemical methods are resorted to.
A well trained and experienced nose is probably very difficult to
dispense with in selecting oils for certain kinds of preparations.
We are, however, coming more and more to determine the value of
an oil by the amount of the most essential constituent contained in
it. Just as the per cent, of morphine determines the value of opium,
or quinine that of calisaya bark, or strychnine nux vomica, so the
amount of cinnamic aldehyde determines the value of oil of cassia,
and linalyl acetate and santalol are valuable factors in determining
the quality of oils of lavender and sandalwood, respectively. But
even here we have conflicting opinions; for example, one source of
information tells us that the higher the per cent, of ester the better
is the oil, from another source we learn that an extended investiga-
tion shows that an oil containing from 25 to 30 per cent, of ester is
superior to an oil containing from 35 to 40 percent, or over. There
are certainly good reasons for such differing views. The high test-
ing ester oil may have had its aroma injured in some way as by
distillation or careless keeping, or certain esters may have been
added to an inferior oil to bring up the per cent, of ester. Again,

1 1886, J. de Pharm. et de Chim., 5, 13, 593.

224 Oil of Sandalwood, Lavender and Thyme. {AmMJa0"tri9oiharini

some of the celebrated English lavender oils contain but a low per
cent, of ester, which would indicate that the ester is not the only
factor to be considered in selecting an oil. In fact it happens
occasionally that the nose and the per cent, of ester are entirely at
variance with each other on oils obtained from the same locality.

During the past year the writer has had occasion to examine a
goodly number of the above oils and herewith gives the results of
his work.

OIL OF SANDALWOOD.

This oil is probably looked on with more suspicion than any
other. It is claimed by some that in order to be sure of getting
the genuine article it was necessary to resort to manufacturing it
themselves. The writer's experience has been that reliable manu-
facturers handle the genuine article. That an oil is pure can readily
be determined, for the physical and chemical constants have been so
thoroughly worked out that there cannot be much doubt of their
reliability ; these are, specific gravity at 150 C, 0 97 to 0-978, readily
soluble in five volumes of 70 per cent, alcohol, optical rotation from
— 17 to 190 at 25 0 C. in a 100 millimetre tube, santalol at least 90
per cent.

Sample No. 1, in the table following, was made by the writer from a
wood that yielded 5-5 per cent, of oil, and it can readily be seen that
the constants obtained fall well within the above limits. The
methods for obtaining the above constants are simple and easily
available, except the one for estimating the santalol, which will be
given here.

Into a flask, provided with a reflux condenser, place 20 grammes
of the oil, add an equal volume of acetic anhydride (not anhydrous
acetic acid) and 2 grammes of fused sodium acetate; then gently
boil for about two hours. Wash the mixture first with water, then
with a solution of sodium hydrate, then with water again ; finally
dry the resulting oil with anhydrous sodium sulphate. Of this dried
product, place from 2-5 grammes into a flask provided with a reflux
condenser, add an excess of normal alcoholic potassium hydrate, and
boil for half an hour. Ascertain the amount of alkali consumed by
titrating back the excess, with normal sulphuric acid. From the
data thus obtained the amount of santalol is readily calculated
by the following formula:

P = a X 22-2

s — (ax 0042)

AmMay?iFoifrm'} Oil of Sandalwood, Lavender and Thyme. 225

P == santalol; a = number of c.c. of normal alkali consumed ; and
s = the amount in grammes, of the acetylized oil, used for saponifi-
cation.

The following equations represent the reactions involved:

C15H25OH + (C2H30)20 = C15H25O.COCH3 + CH3C02H
Santalol -f- acetic anhydride = Santalol acetate -f- Acetic acid.

C^H.^O.COCHg + KOH = C15H25OH + CH3C02K.
Santalol acetate -|- Potassium = Santalol -f Potassium
hydrate. acetate.

The samples of oil examined gave the following results :

Number.

Specific Gravity.
150 C 250 C.

Per Cent,
of Santalol.

Optical
Rotation.

Solubility in
70 Per Cent. Alcohol.

Santalol
Esters.
Per Cent. of.

0-9767

0-9724

97-16

-170 15'

1 in 5

3'o6

0-9727

°'97°7

93'64

— i5° 16'

1 in 5

4-10

0-9747

o-9739

91-70

-14° 56'

1 in 5

2'93

0*9666

0-9601

90-12

1 in 5

1-48

0-9716

0-9685

92-87

-17° 2'

1 in 5

1 "43

0*9626

0*9600

75 00

- 7° 4'

1 in 5

2*67

0-9721

0-9681

96-34

— 160 36'

1 in 5

0-9713

0-9678

94-53

-160 56'

1 in 5

3-6i

0 9734

0*9696

90-87

-13° 48'

1 in 5lA

Remarks. — No. 6 is undoubtedly adulterated. Nos. 3, 4 and 9
fall below the standard, yet the analyst would hardly call them
adulterated, but rather of secondary quality. The percentage of
ester does not appear to be a deciding factor with these. '

OIL OF LAVENDER.

An examination of four samples gave the following results :

Number.

Specific Gravity
at 150 C

Solubility in
70 Per Cent. Alcohol.

Optical
Rotation.

Per Cent,
of Ester.

0-8985

1 in 3

—6° 6'

25-70

0*8989

1 in 3

-2° 54'

34-36

0-8892

1 in 3

-5° 9'

31-42

0-8830

1 in 3

-3° 4i'

28-29

The above samples all represent oils of good quality.

226 Oil of Sandalwood, Lavender and Thyme. {Am May?iSiarm"

According to Gildemeister and Hoffmann, lavender oils are divided
into two classes, those containing at least 36 per cent, of esters and
those containing from 30 to 36 per cent, of esters. This classification
includes only the finest oils from certain localities. The same
authorities say that an oil containing less than 30 per cent, of esters
is mostly adulterated. This latter statement is probably too sweep-
ing, because it is well known that oil of lavender is met with that
contains as low as 10 per cent, of esters, yet is not adulterated and
ranks extremely high in quality.

The method employed for estimating the esters is described in the
latter part of the above process for determining santalol, and the
chemical reaction is represented by the following equation :

C10H17O.COCH3 + KOH = C10H17OH + CH3COOK.
Linalyl acetate -j- potassium = linalool -f potassium
hydrate acetate.

The molecular weight of linalyl acetate is 19-6, and the per cent,
of ester, x, can readily be calculated by the following formula :

19-6 I

X = '2

y represents the number of cubic centimetres of semi-normal alkali
used in saponifying z grammes of oil.

OIL OF THYME.

There appears to be little genuine oil of thyme on the market, but
can be obtained if desired. Most of it seems to be adulterated with
turpentine. This is especially true of the white, which seldom con-
tains as much as 5 per cent, of phenol bodies. Genuine oil of thyme
has been found to possess the following properties : soluble in from 1
to 2 volumes of 80 per cent, alcohol, specific gravity 0 900 to 0-935
at 1 50 C, and the content of phenol bodies varies from 20 to 30 per
cent. Several oils examined of late gave the following results :

'■} Oil of Sandalwood, Lavender and Thyme. 227

NO.

Kind.

Specific Gravity
at 150 C.

Solubility in
80 Per Cent. Alcohol.

Per Cent, of
Plicnol Bodies.

Optical
Rotation .

White

0.877

Insol. in 20 volumes

2-55

o-83i

'20 "

4*26

0-863

<< <

' 10 "

None

—

0-8964

Sol.

' 2 "

- 3° 48'

0-8935

Insol. '

10 "

27-

-3° 48'

Red

0*907

Sol. '

' 2 "

25'56

- i° 24'

o'88o

Insol." '

'10 "

8-73

0-893

1 10

18-81

— i° 6'

«<

0-916

Sol.

1 1% "

30-16

— 2°

0-9231

Insol. '

10 "

19-00

0.9084

Sol.

' 2 "

14'

+ 1° 48'

.0-9074

2 "

24-

— 1° 30'

No. 10 was an extremely muddy looking oil. While attempting
to estimate the per cent, of phenol bodies in No. 3, it was noticed
that the volume of the oil increased by 2 per cent, rather than de-
creased. When M white thyme " is called for, almost anything must
be expected. The data for Nos. 4 and 5 are so different from any
ever examined that strange queries arise in one's mind. No. 5,
27 per cent, phenol bodies, yet insoluble in ten volumes of 80 per
cent, alcohol; contrast with this the corresponding data of No. 4,
and observe that the gravities and optical rotations are practically
the same. How can this be harmonized?

Of the red oils Nos. 6, 8 and 12 can be considered genuine, but
8 and 10 must be rejected with reserve.

The per cent, of phenol bodies was estimated by partially filling a
100 c.c. nitrometer with a 5 per cent, solution of sodium hydrate,
then introducing 10 c.c. of the oil to be examined, shaking well for
five minutes, and finally setting aside for twenty-four hours. The
drops adhering to the nitrometer can be, in part, loosened by rotat-
ing or tapping the nitrometer. When the solution has become clear
the non-phenol oil can readily be read off and the percentage calcu-
lated.

Laboratory of

Smith, Kline & Fren:h Company.

228

Animal Parasites in Man.

Am. .lour. Pharm^
May. 1901.

TECHNIQUE FOR THE RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN
ANIMAL PARASITES IN MAN.

By Iv. Napoleon Boston, M.D.
Bacteriologist to the Philadelphia Hospital, Demonstrator in charge of Clinical
Laboratory, Medico-Chirurgical College.

Ancliylo stoma Duodenale, — The condition produced by this para-
site, when present in the intestinal canal of man, is known as brick-
makers' disease, or tropical anaemia. Ova of this parasite are
found in the feces of infected pefsons, and their detection is readily
accomplished in the following manner : To a small portion of a
recently voided stool, sufficient water is added to produce a cloudy
liquid, when the stool and water are thoroughly mixed. A portion
of the mixture is placed into a test tube and either centrilugated, or
allowed to stand for a few hours. A portion of the sediment thus
collected at the bottom of the tube is lifted by means of a pipette,
and a drop of it placed on the center of a slide, when it is covered
by a second slide or a large coverglass. The specimen is now
ready for examination and should be studied under a lens, where
the ova appear as small, round, opalescent bodies. Individual ova
may be studied under a higher power lens — A- to i {Fig- /)• These
ova are well preserved when mounted in cast medium1 or in
glycerine.

Alter the administration of certain drugs, the adult worm appears
in the feces as a silky, slightly curved thread (Fig. i) whose color
is not constant. The parasite's detection is facilitated by adding
water to the feces and stirring to effect a perfect mixture which is
then poured into a clear glass dish 10 x 12 x 3 inches, which is
then set on either a light or dark surface. A thin spread of diluted
feces is in this way produced, and affords a favorable field upon which
to find the parasite.

The adult worms you see in the small bottle have been pre-
served in 70 per cent, alcohol. These specimens shown under the
microscopes, were first placed in alcohol, and later in glycerin for
twenty-four hours, from which they were mounted in cast medium.
Glycerine jelly is also a valuable mounting medium for animal
parasites.

The anchylostoma is known to be the cause of a large percentage

Formula for cast medium, Journal, April, 1900.

AmMayr;i9ohifrm-} Animal Parasites in Man. 229

of deaths occurring in tropical districts, and is of especial interest
since Surgeon B. K: Ashford (United States Army1) has shown it to
be most common in Porto Rico, and other of the West Indies.

Tape Worms. — Segments of these parasites are commonly passed
with the stool, and their study and general characteristics differ in
no way from where the parasite is expelled as a result of thera-
peutic measures. The freshly voided segments are first washed in
water and then placed in 70 per cent, alcohol for twenty-four hours,
when they are transferred to xylol for twenty-four hours and then
mounted as follows: A portion of a segment is placed on a slide,

Fig. i. — Anchylostoma duodenale. (1) Natural size; (2) head and neck (B.
U, %)\ (3) tail (B. L., %); (4) ova (B. L., /6).

and teased to shreds. After a short exposure to the air (five
minutes) a drop of Canada balsam is added and on it a coverglass
placed. Prepared in this manner the ova are readily seen through
a ft lens, and when viewed under a y§ lens, both their outline and
and structure are apparent. Staining is accomplished by Dela.
field's hematoxylin and other dyes, but adds little, if anything, to
the specimen's value. Study of the segment in its entirety is most
interesting, but scarcely necessary in clinical work. It may be accom-
plished by placing a segment between two slides and clamping them

lNew York Med. Jour., April 14, 1900.

230 Animal Parasites in Man. {AmM^£iarm'

tightly together. Under a 2/?> ^ens the segment may be studied,
showing the uterus stuffed with ova.

To Detect the Head. — This being the portion of the parasite's
study wherein most failures are experienced, and to which most
importance is attached, I shall cons'der under the following heads:
(1) Empty the bowels, by means of salines, so that no undigested
food remains in the alimentary tract ; (2) the administration of a
vermicide ; (3) follow in four to six hours by another saline ; (4) when
it is observed that the worm is beginning to escape from the rectum,

FiG. 2. — Tapeworm. (1) Natural size of segments; (2) head and neck (B.

%)\ (3) ova (B. Iv., Ye).

the patient is directed to occupy a comfortable seat where the worm
can pass into a clean vessel containing water; (5) all important is it
that the patient sit on one commode from the time he observes that
the worm is diminishing in size, until the entire worm is passed ;
(the nearer the head, the smaller are the segments), when within a
few inches, 10 to 12, of the head the worm appears as a pale slightly
flattened thread and its segments are not distinct ; (6) the head is
the last portion of the worm to be passed, and as long as any part
of the parasite is protruding from the rectum the probabilities are
that the head has not yet escaped.

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
May, 1901. J

Animal Parasites in Man.

231

Given a specimen collected in this manner, add to it a quantity of
water, stir gently with a glass rod, after which it will be seen
that the worm falls to the bottom of the vessel, when decant
one-half, or more, of the liquid, which is replaced by clean water.
This washing is repeated until the worm is cleansed. The worm,
with the water surrounding it, is now transferred to a clear glass
dish 10 x 12x3 inches, which is placed on a white surface (towel)
and all large segments are removed by a glass rod, drawing them
over the edge of the dish, when they are allowed to fall into a sec-
ond dish containing water; care being taken not to break the
parasite.

After all large segments are removed, the head is usually readily
detected, by the naked eye, floating amongst the remaining thread-
like portions of the parasite. In searching for certain small para-
sites a hand-glass may be found of service. The head is transferred
to 50 per cent, glycerine and preserved for further study. In mount-
ing parasite heads, a slide provided with a concavity of sufficient
depth to accommodate their thickest portion, is most satisfactory.
They are well preserved when mounted in Farrant's medium, cast
medium, glycerine and glycerine jelly {Fig. 2).

lcenia Echinococcus (Dog Tape Worm). — Here the problem is
somewhat different, as man is the intermediary host, and in him
develops the head, or scolex of the parasite only. Each head is
provided with a crown of hooklets, and many free hooks are often
seen in connection with shreds of finely granular, yellowish mem.
brane (Fig. j). Hooklets, scolices and membrane from the cysts of
the echinococcus are occasionally found in sputum, pus from
abscesses, the fluid of cysts, feces and urine. Hooklets are
best studied under a y§ lens, while the heads may be detected
under a much lower power. It is these findings which enables one
to recognize the parasite, and the hooks may be the only evidence
present. In the study of this parasite a low power of illumination
is necessary, and the skilful manipulation of both Abbe condenser
and iris diaphragm afford great assistance. Products of the echino-
coccus may be mounted in any of the above mounting mediums.

Trichina Spiralis. — The larvae of this parasite appear in the mus-
cular tissue of man after the ingestion of uncooked, infected pork.
They make their appearance early in the diaphragm, frontal, and
muscles of the leg. The material to be studied is collected by the

232

Animal Parasites in Man.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
May, 01.

physician in the following manner : The site of incision is over the
outer head of the gastrocnemius muscle, and after this area is surgi-
cally cleansed the parts are anaesthetized by injecting a solution of
cocoaine hydrochlorate. First inject the skin and then the deeper
structures down to the sheath of the muscle. When anaesthesia is pro-
duced an incision is made dividing all tissues to the muscle's sheath,
which is grasped by a rat-tooth forceps and incised, after which a
small portion of the muscle is dissected and placed in a vessel con-
taining water. Glycerine and alcohol arrest all movements of the
parasite. The wound is now closed and dressed antiseptically. A
small piece of this tissue is placed on a slide and teased, by means
of fine needles, until most of its fibres appear to be separated. The

Fig. 3.— T. echinococcus. Scolex Fig. 4. — Trichina spiralis in muscle
and hooklets (B. from outer head, left gastrocnemius.

Twenty-first day of disease (Queen, %).

addition of a few drops of water to the specimen renders the teasing
process less difficult. The slide is now viewed under a low power
{%), and if trichinae are present their recognition is easy (Figs. 4.
and 5); however, a very low illumination is required. After a few
weeks the trichina become incapsulated by the patient's tissues,
when they appear as small solid bodies showing a parasite tightly
coiled in their centre. Trichina are also well preserved by any
mounting medium containing glycerine.

Distoma Hcematobia (Bilharz). — The adult parasite is probably
located in the veins of the bladder, and there deposits its ova which
find their way into the bladder or bowel, and appear in the urine
or stools. Bilharz's parasite is a common cause of bloody urine in

Am. .Tour. Pharaj.
May, 1901.

Animal Parasites in Man.

233

certain geographical districts. To detect the ova allow the urine
to stand until all blood clots are collected at the bottom of the tube;
(2) lift a portion of this sediment into a pipette and place a drop on
the centre of a slide; (3) tease the clots as fine as possible, and
evaporate nearly to dryness ; (4) add a drop of cast medium, or
glycerine, to the centre of the specimen upon which place a cover-
glass and spread the medium by additional pressure. The specimen
should be placed on a flat surface for twenty-four hours while the
mounting medium hardens, after which time a permanent ring may
be added. For rapid diagnosis the specimen may be mounted in
water. Detection of these ova is best accomplished by the lens
{Fig. 6). Individual ova may be studied under a higher power, when

Fig. 5. — Trichina spiralis. Eighth Fig. 6. — Bilharz's parasite. (i)Ova
week of disease. (B. L., %); (2) ova (B. Iv., Ye).

it is often possible to distinguish the contained embryo which varies
in its appearance with the age of the egg. Influenced by tempera-
ture, these embryos are freed from their shell in from a few hours
to several days after they are passed with the urine. The most
immature ova are about inch in length and -g-J^- inch in
breadth, while fully matured ovum measures inch in length
and -g-l-g- inch in breadth. The study of ova in feces needs no
special explanation.

Th£ Voi,atii,e Oil, OF Buchu, according to Kondakow and Bachtschiew,
consists of (1) a mixture of limonene and dipentene (10 per cent.); (2) inen-
thone (60 per cent.); (3) diosphenol, (20 per cent.); (4) resinous matter, (5
per cent.). — Ph. Zeit., 1901, 194..

234 Photographic Development by Gas Light. { AmMa" mhifrm*

PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVELOPMENT BY GAS LIGHT.
By Wiwam S. Weakeey, P.D.

Before entering upon the practical part of this subject, it might
be well to first consider the basis upon which we work to obtain
certain definite results. These results come about by the chemical
action of light rays upon the photographic dry plate, which consists
of a glass plate or celluloid (films) coated with a silver bromide
gelatin emulsion.

Upon exposure to light the silver bromide particles in the plate
are more easily converted by the reducing solution (developer) into
metallic silver than those which have not received this exposure.
We find that by too long a development, or by using too strong a
developer to start with, the unexposed silver bromide is also
changed ; for this reason development or the reduction of the silver
bromide can only be carried on to a certain point.

The next subject to be considered is the use of the developer or
reducing agent which brings about this change. These agents may
be divided into two classes, namely, slow and rapid; an example of
the former class we find in hydrochinone, and of the latter we find
in pyrogallol. In using a rapid developer exposures must be cor-
respondingly correct, for if they are not the reducing solution acts
too quickly upon the unchanged silver bromide and hence a fog,
or as expressed by Professor Nipher,1 the zero point is ap-
proached, if not already reached. With a developer like hydro-
chinone in its normal alkaline combinations we have a typical slow
developer whose rapidity is materially increased by replacing the
sodium carbonate by potassium or sodium hydrates. This de-
veloper not only enables one by its delay in reducing the silver
bromide to judge an over-exposure and remedy it by potassium
bromide, but also assists quite materially in stopping the develop-
ment at the proper time, thus preserving details.

The author of this paper had his attention called to the fact that
Prof. Francis E. Nipher, of the University of Washington, was
trying to turn our former ideas of the principles of photography
upside down, and at the suggestion of Professor Kraemer the sub-
stance of Professor Nipher's paper was investigated and some

1 " Positive Photography with Special Reference to Eclipse Work." Pre-
sented to the Academy of Science of St. Iyouis, October 15, 1900.

AmMa"'iSiarm'} Photographic Development by Gas Light. 235

original experiments carried out, with the principles therein laid
out as the basis.

We have in the sensitive film, three stages or conditions, namely :
the negative, zero, and positive conditions.

With the negative stage our plate is exposed the normal time,
which depends upon six things.

(1) On the weather.

(2) On the brightness of object to be taken.

(3) On the time of day and season.

(4) On the amount of light transmitted by the lens used.

(5) On the size of aperture.

(6) On the sensitiveness of the plate.

These six conditions with the dark room fix the basis upon which
negative photography is produced, the failure to take any one of
these conditions into consideration will mean failure either one
way or the other, i. e., undertimed or overtimed; the former condi-
tion meaning a thin and contrasting negative, the other a dense and
non-contrasting negative or fog; this fog, when perfect, is our zero
point, or where the negative merges into the positive condition.

Then an over-exposed negative may be an under-exposed positive,
but cannot be an over-exposed positive. This sufficiently over-
timed negative or positive must now be developed in the light, so
as to carry it farther and farther away from the zero condition ;
therefore, the nearer the zero condition is approached, the stronger
the light must be during development, so as to carry it farther
away from this condition.

The application of positive photography is obvious when we
consider the liability of over-exposure, especially in such important
work as eclipse or microscopic photography ; think for a minute of
the occurrence of an eclipse which perhaps may not be seen again for
centuries, and the application of this new process will be apparent.
Its value is inestimable when we consider that the ordinary nega-
tive is almost invariably over-exposed for fear that it will be thin
and lacking in detail, which condition in a negative is not desired ; in
fact it becomes all but useless, and were it over-timed and devel-
oped as a negative the mere fact that potassium bromide would
have to be used in large quantities especially in greatly overtimed
plates the corresponding result would be lack of detail, or that con-
dition which was most sought for is destroyed to a greater or less

236 Photographic Development by Gas Light. {AmMa^Joi.arm'

degree. Any professional or thoughtful amateur photographer
will see the application.

In the experiments which were carried out the aperture was set
at eight, the lens used was B. and L.'s double rapid rectilinear lens.
All exposures made were in bright sunlight, with rapid plates.

After exposure the plate is taken into a room free from day-
light and is developed about 8 inches below the mantel of a Wels-
bach light or between two other strong lights, whether electric, oil
or acetylene. The developer should be kept ice cold to obtain the
best results. In transferring the plates from the holder to the
developing tray it is advisable to remove them in the shadow or
better underneath the developing table and quickly transfer them to
the developer in the tray.

The plate before entering the developer is of a yellowish color,
and if exposed sufficiently shows very faint outlines of the object
photographed. This image disappears upon entering the developer
and then reappears as a reddish-brown image, gradually turning to
the normal grayish-black color of the ordinary negative. These
positives can be reduced in the ordinary way with potassium ferri-
cyanide and hyposulphite of soda.

A set of exposures was made as follows :

1 3^ second. Normal exposure for negative.

2 1 minute.

3 3 minutes.

4 4 minutes.

5 30 minutes.

6 60 minutes, 180,000 times normal exposure for negative.

The above were developed with the following formula :

SOLUTION NO. I.

Ounces. Grammes.

Water 25 1,000

Hydrochinone . . < 3 126

Sodium sulphite cryst x/2 21

SOLUTION no. 2.

Water * * 25 1,000

Sodium carbonate cryst 6 252

Mix the two solutions in equal parts, dilute with three to five
times its bulk of water. If a few drops of a 10 per cent, solution
of potassium bromide be added it will give brilliancy to the plate
but will not assist in improving detail.

^mMayy'i9oiarm"} Liquid Carbonic Acid Gas. 237

The appearance of the above exposures upon development was
as follows :

1. Faint image appeared gradually fading and leaving a fog.

2. Image appeared, but upon further development became very
slightly foggy.

3. 4, 5 and 6 showed very little difference in density or detail.

LIQUID CARBONIC ACID GAS.

HOW IT IS MADE AND PUT UP FOR SODA FOUNTAIN USE.

By Frederick T. Gordon.

How many druggists are there who know how the liquid gas
they are now using for charging their soda water is made, or how it
is put into the heavy iron "tanks" in which they have it delivered
to them ? Now that this liquid gas is rapidly supplanting the old
way of making gas in the cellar from various materials or even the
buying of soda water already charged, there is every reason why the
druggist should know the ins and outs of his supply if he would be
able to talk intelligently on it to the inquiring customer. And this
is easy to do, too, for the whole operation of making the gas, lique-
fying it and filling the fountain tanks, is very simple and easily
understood.

Liquid carbon dioxide is now as much a matter of commerce as
is carbonate of soda, and there are a number of firms in this country
making it, from many different materials and in many different
ways. The manufacture of the gas may be classed under three
general processes : Driving off the C02 by heat from various car-
bonates, such as limestone, dolomite, etc.; this is a process that is
confidently stated by authorities to be the one that promises the best
returns in the future ; formation of the gas by the interaction of
acids on carbonates is another, the most common of which are the
use of marble and sulphuric acid and bicarbonate of soda and
sulphuric acid ; while the collection of the gas formed in breweries
by fermentation or from burning coke or coal is a process that is
rapidly assuming great importance. Considerable C02 is now
collected from the natural spring waters at different points, the
largest manufactory of this kind being at Saratoga Springs, New
York.

238 Liquid Carbonic Acid Gas. {^'^;wFm'

In this country the collection of gas formed by fermentation in
the process of brewing has, as yet, assumed little importance, but
when the use of liquid carbon dioxide becomes more general as the
motive power of machinery there is little doubt that the valuable
by-product now being wasted will be carefully collected by the
brewers.1 The same wilful waste of valuable source of power is
also notable in the vast coking industry of this State, thousands of
tons of gas going to absolute waste every day in the coke fields,
just as in former days tar was considered as not being worth collect-
ing. But when the use of liquid gases as a source of power is made
practically possible by improvements in liquid-gas engines we may
look to see this " by-product " as carefully and jealously saved as is
now the tar from gas works. Another fact to be borne in mind is
that when we make use of the gas from combustion, collected and
liquefied from the stacks of our factories' countless chimneys, we
add to the amount of power possible from coal an economy of
material and energy of incalculable amount.

At the present time, the uses of liquid carbon dioxide are chiefly
for refrigerating purposes and for charging soda water, so there is
not sufficient demand for special inventive genius as yet; indeed, so
limited are these uses and so keen the competition that were it not
for the "by-products" of manufacture it is possible that the drug-
gist would not yet have this convenient means for making his soda
water. The value of these by-products is what makes the cost of
liquid gas so small, if it were made and sold simply by itself the cost
would be many times greater than it now is. As chemistry makes
further strides, we may look for even cheaper gas, as more and more
by-products are made use of, the most likely sources being the gas
from the burning of limestone to make lime and the collection of the
gases of fermentation. The subject of these by-products is too large
to be taken up in this short paper, being almost a review of a dozen
different industries in itself.

By whatever process it be made, the liquid C02 intended for
charging soda water must be purified before it is fit for use, there
usually being more or less impurities in it that render it unsafe in
its crude state. This purification is also of importance in reducing

1 Large quantities of liquid C02 are now imported chiefly from Germany, in
tubes holding 200 or 300 pounds. This is collected from breweries there and
liquefied for commercial uses and exports.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
May, 1901.

Liquid Carbonic Acid Gas.

239

the cost of liquefaction, a pure dry gas being liquefied with less
trouble and cost than a wet impure quality. Usually, the gas is
generated in large iron retorts or tanks, when made by chemical
action, or in specially made tank-like retorts when made by the
action of heat on carbonates ; from these it is pumped through coils
of pipes surrounded by water through the " purifiers " and " driers "
to the first compressor. The "purifiers" are large tanks full of
water through which the gas bubbles up just as in the familiar
wash-bottle for gases of our laboratories, and is pumped off as it
comes through to the " dryer." The best grades of liquid gas are
washed four times by being passed through as many separate tanks
of water. From the purifiers, the gas is made to pass either
through sulphuric acid or over calcium chloride to remove all
moisture, this interfering seriously with the compression ; in this
part of the process there are several trade secrets as to the way and
materials used.

After having been washed and dried, the gas, still in its normal
state, is pumped to the first compressor, where it is condensed
under a pressure of about 200 pounds to the square inch ; from this
it passes through coils of pipe immersed in a freezing mixture of ice
and salt to absorb the heat of compression and comes to the second
compressor at a temperature little above o° Centigrade. The
amount of heat generated in the compression of gases is amazing to
the unitiated ; to absorb it and cool the gas requires a large quan-
tity of ice daily. In the second compressor, the gas is brought to a
compression of 540 pounds to the square inch, the pipes of which
are also surrounded by a freezing mixture, and passes into a coil of
pipe immersed in the same. The gas is still in a gaseous form, but
now physical effects begin to play their part and cause it to liquefy
by its own expansion. The end of the final coil of pipes is con-
nected directly with the " tank " or cylinder in which the liquid gas
is sold to the druggist. The process by which these tanks are filled
is extremely interesting and simple.

If you will examine a tube of liquid gas you will see screwed
into the top a piece of heavy brass pipe, with a valve for opening
or closing the tube at the top (worked by a wrench) and a threaded
tube on one side. The pipe connecting with the soda founts is
screwed on to this threaded bit of pipe on the side. Inside of this
brass pipe, the bore turns at right angles to the bore of the side

240

Liquid Carbonic Acid Gas.

Am.. Jour. Pharmu
May, 1901..

opening, at the bottom this bore terminates in a small piece of pipe
closed at the bottom and having numerous very minute perfora-
tions. The valve by which the tube is opened or closed is a long
piece of metal, terminating in a needle-like point, which, when
screwed down on the valve seat, closes the opening just below
where the side bore issues out. In this arrangement lies the whole
secret of the liquefaction of the gas. The gas is let into the tank
through the side opening at a pressure of 540 pounds, it escapes
inside through the minute openings at the bottom of the bore in
the form of a fine spray, and by this sudden expansion lowers the
temperature so greatly and rapidly that the incoming gas is at once
liquefied and trickles down the sides of the tank. The process is a
continuous one, the compressed gas being supplied until the tube
is full, shown by the reading of the pressure gauge outside being
the same as at the last compressor, 540 pounds, for as fast as the
gas is permitted to flow into the tube and escape through the per-
forated bit of pipe it liquefies itself, the compression being of course
kept up at the initial degree. During this process the tubes are
surrounded by a freezing mixture to aid in the condensation of the
gas by absorbing any heat from compression in the supply pipes.

In some factories, the tanks, tubes or cylinders, all names for the
container of the liquid gas, are partially exhausted of air before fill-
ing; in others the air is left in, of course making a slight difference
in the amount of liquid gas the tube can hold. Another important
point to the druggist is the dryness of his liquid gas ; very often,
especially where the liquid gas is sold at a low figure, the gas is
not dried before compression, and there is often a quart or more of
water found in every tube filled with wet gas. This freezes as soon
as the gas begins to be drawn off and sometimes creates a great
deal of trouble by collecting in the exhaust pipe in the form of
solid ice, or fine crystals, and blocking up the outlet; hence the
druggist should insist upon receiving only liquid gas that has been
well dried before it is liquefied, to save annoyance and loss in pay-
ing for a pound or two of water and ice at the price of liquid gas.

The ordinary size of tanks contains from twenty to twenty-two
pounds of liquid C02, but there are other sizes that contain almost
double the amount. The old style tank was made of cast steel and
could susta 11 a pressure of 3700 pounds to the square inch; the
newer tanks are made of a mild steel that can stand a pressure of

AffiM0ay?ifo1]frm"} Liquid Carbonic Acid Gas. 241

15,000 pounds. When the tanks are taken out of the freezing mix-
ture and come to the temperature of surrounding air, the pressure
of the gas inside is about 900 pounds to the inch in winter and 1 100
in summer, and there is also a varying development of pressure
inside when the gas is being drawn off for use. Under almost all
circumstances, these tubes of liquid gas are perfectly safe to handle
and will stand a great amount of jolting, yet there are conditions
when the critical temperature of the liquid gas is passed and it
assumes the gaseous form inside the tube, and then a seemingly
slight cause or weakness in the steel will cause a disastrous explo-
sion. It is well to be on the safe side and to handle these tubes
carefully and not to open the valve too suddenly, a gradual opening
until the pressure gauge stands at the desired pressure being safest.
The small size cylinders are about y% to y2 an inch in thickness of
their steel walls and weigh, when filled, from fifty to seventy pounds.

It is of course understood that the process I have just mentioned
is the particular one used in the Philadelphia plant I visited ; there
are other methods, of later date, by which greater economy of time
and material are achieved, the method of the Liquid Gas Company,
for instance ; but the essential principle is the same, the escape
of G02 from fine orifices under pressure. In this plant I mention,
an average of 15 horse-power working for 10 hours produces from
fifty to eighty tubes full of liquid gas, according to the speed with
which the compressors are run. These figures will differ greatly
from those of more modern plants.

It must be borne in mind, when considering these figures, that
when the gas is brought under a pressure of 540 pounds at 0°
Centigrade and allowed to flow into the cylinders through the
specially devised arrangement described above that it in great part
liquefies itself by its expansion.

This, of course, is because the gas escaping suddenly from a great
pressure to that of the atmosphere requires a great deal of heat in
its expansion and this heat it takes from the gas immediately follow-
ing it, thus bringing the temperature down low enough to cause its
liquefaction under the pressure it is sustaining. This principle is
now widely used in the liquefaction of all gases, such as air, hydro-
gen, etc., it being practicable to liquefy air by allowing it to escape
from minute openings under high pressure into the open atmos-
phere.

242 Correspondence. { Am j^jJSf*1-

The process whereby the water in the founts is charged with the
gas is too familiar to the druggist to be of interest here, so this
article will be concluded with the advice to the druggist to discard
his old style marble-dust generators as soon as he can and use the
cleaner, surer and more economical liquid carbon dioxide and get
the most sparkling pungent soda water through his draught tubes.

CORRESPONDENCE.

PROCTER MEMORIAL.1

In response to a letter from the editor of this Journal concerning
the feasibility of establishing a research laboratory as a memorial
to the life and work of Professor William Procter, Jr., by the Ameri-
can Pharmaceutical Association at its semi-centennial in 1902, the
following are some of the replies which have been received :

Dear Sir : — I am very glad to see that the proposed establish-
ment of a research laboratory upon the fiftieth anniversary of the
A. Ph. A. is finding more and more favor. When I wrote you some
months ago I should not have had the courage to advocate so much
of an undertaking, but now I should like to have a good effort
made for it.

Ann Arbor, Mich. A. B. Prescott.

Dear Sir : — I earnestly favor the establishing of a research labora-
tory by the American Pharmaceutical Association. No better step
could possibly be taken. There can be but very little progress for
pharmacy except through the laboratory, and for the representative
pharmaceutical association of the United States to recognize this
fact and act accordingly would be to the profit and honor of the
association and the profession of pharmacy. I hope the matter
will be brought forward in a practical shape at St. Louis and wisely
passed on.

Indianapolis, Ind. J. N. Hurty.

Dear Sir: — I am just in receipt of yours of the 1st ult., in ref-
erence to the establishment of a research laboratory. I do not
know that I can add anything in regard to this matter beyond what

xFor editorials and other correspondence on this subject, see this Journal,
November, 1900, and February, March and April, 1901.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
May, 1901.

Correspondence.

243

was given in the Report on the Revision of the U.S. P. at the 1898
meeting.1 This covers'it all, and I have had no reason to change
my mind. It would certainly be of great value to all interested
branches if such a thing could be brought about. And possibly,
if sufficient funds could be had to establish such a laboratory,
means could be obtained by a system of charges, fees and published
information to those who contributed to its establishment to main-
tain it.

The establishment of such a laboratory would go far in placing
pharmacy on the road to that higher plane we are striving for.

It would seem to me that by a united effort on part of the
A.Ph.A., sufficient pressure could be brought to bear on Congress
to aid in its establishment.

South Bend, Ind. Leo Eliel.

Dear Sir : — Absence must be my excuse for not promptly an-
swering yours of the 4th, respecting the establishment by the
A.Ph.A., of a research laboratory as a memorial to the late Professor
Procter.

To properly equip, build and endow such an institution would, in
my judgment, require about two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000)
— say building and ground, $25,000, apparatus and furniture, in-
cluding books, $5,coo, leaving $170,000 to be invested at 3 per
cent., yielding an annual income of $5,100. I do not believe any-
thing approaching this sum can be obtained.

1 In the Report of the Committee on Revision of the U.S. P. of the A.Ph.A ,
it is stated that :

"Your Committee further recommends the establishment of a scientific
laboratory, employing chemists and pharmacologists by the year, to carry on
investigations on the lines indicated by the National Committee. Such a
laboratory would be of great benefit to the pharmacists and physicians of this
country, as well as a great credit.

" It is the opinion of this Committee that a laboratory with all the modern
equipments on a fairly large scale should be established at Washington, where
the assistance of the Government chemists, library and facilities could be
had ; such laboratory to have facilities for the working of four or more chem-
ists under the guidance of one of them as director, and for the working of one
pharmacologist, who should have a separate but adjoining room to the chemi-
cal laboratory, and work conjointly with them under the guidance of the gen-
eral director. If the Revision Committee has not sufficient money at its dis-
posal and cannot obtain it, no doubt the pharmacists and manufacturing
establishments of the country will make up the deficiency." — [See Proc.
A.Ph.A., 1898, p. 225.— Ed.]

244 Pharmacy Laivs and Legislation. {AmMay?i9oiarm'

In considering this question, a proper regard should be had for
the reputation of American pharmacy, as well as the honor of Pro-
fessor Procter.

Whatever is undertaken should be clearly within the limits of
our ability to do well and thus reflect credit on pharmacy while
honoring one of its patrons. The disgrace which would attend
failure in such an effort would be intensified rather than assuaged
by ascertaining when too late, that our endeavors were aimed too
high.

My suggestion, if one is permitted, would be to appoint the
strongest committee possible ; embracing all phases of pharmacy,
and give this committee full power, first to solicit subscriptions and
second, afterwards to decide on the character of the memorial.

Washington, D. C. W. S. Thompson.

PHARMACY LAWS AND LEGISLATION.

Contributed by Prof. J. H. Beat., Scio, O.

(Under this title it is designed to give each month a brief resume of proposed
and accomplished pharmacy legislation, and of decisions of importance to
pharmacy boards and pharmacists. On account of space limitations, proposed
legislation cannot be more than briefly mentioned, but bills enacted into law
will be discussed and their principal features pointed out. Pharmacy boards
and members of legislative committees and others are requested to send copies
of such measures and news of this kind either to the editor of this Journal,
or to Prof. J. H. Beal, Scio, O.)

The flood of proposed pharmacy legislation still continues ; the
state legislature that has not at least two or three pharmacy bills
pending is decidedly out of fashion.

NEW YORK.

New York still continues to be the storm centre of proposed
pharmacy legislation. Among the measures which have not been
previously reported in these columns, are the following :

As a result of the disastrous explosion in the drug warehouse of
Tarrant & Co., of some months ago, a bill has been introduced into
the Assembly to amend the present law regulating the storage of
explosives. The measure was prepared by a committee of the
drug section of the Board of Trade and Transportation, and pro-
hibits the storage of the substances specified in any building part

AmMay!iwiarm'} Pharmacy Laws and Legislation. 245

of which is used for dwelling purposes, or in excess of the amounts
specified, except in such places and in such manner as may be pre-
scribed by the Fire Commissioner.

The Thornton Bill which strikes out the annual registration
feature of the present law has passed the Senate, and is now in the
lower branch of the legislature.

The Smith Bill, introduced by Assemblyman Smith, would per-
mit druggists to register without examination on making affidavit
of three years' experience.

The bill introduced by Senator Malby proposes to exempt phar-
macists of the various state institutions from the provisions of the
pharmacy law, probably on the ground that public office being a
private snap, such a little thing as ignorance of one's duties should
not be permitted to interfere with political appointments.

From the Pharmaceutical Era we copy the following : " A
Buffalo man claims to have discovered a wonderful remedy for
rheumatism, and in virtue of this discovery he feels that he should
be entitled by law to practise medicine without passing the regular
medical examination and fulfilling the other requirements laid
down, and he has induced a State Assemblyman to introduce a bill
for his relief in this respect. Another bill, which has been killed,
however, was to permit an individual to practise veterinary surgery
without fulfilling the requirements demanded by law."

The Costello Bill has been amended so as to deprive it of some
of its more offensive features by the addition of the following new
matter : " The Secretary of any division of the State Board of
Pharmacy, having within his territory any such village or place,
shall, whenever the necessity therefor is shown to exist, grant to
some resident therein, who has had experience in dealing in drugs,
medicines and poisons, a permit to compound medicines, fill prescrip-
tions and sell poisons for a period not exceeding one year, and on
payment of a fee not exceeding $300. Such permit shall be limited
to the village or place in which such person resides, and may be
limited to one or more of certain kinds or classes of poisons."
The places or villages referred to are not to exceed 1,000 in popula-
tion.

A notable bill, introduced by Assemblyman Morgan, provides
that apprentices within one year of the beginning of their appren-
ticeship, shall appear before the Board and submit to an examina-

246 Pharmacy Laws and Legislation. { Am-May'i9oif rm*

tion which shall show mental fitness equivalent to thirty-six counts
chosen by the Board of Pharmacy from those required by the re-
gents of the University of the State of New York from students in
law, medicine and dentistry. Certificate of good character is also
required.

Graduates of high schools, academies, colleges of pharmacy or
other institutions recognized by the Board are to be registered as
apprentices without examination. The fee for the apprentice's
certificate is fixed at 50 cents.

ARKANSAS.

The manufacturers of alum baking powders who have been so
thoroughly chevied by the cream of tartar people, are alleged to
be resposible for the following bill which has been introduced into
the legislature of the State of Arkansas : " Whereas, bitartrate of
potash (cream of tartar) as used in combination with bicarbonate of
soda for aerating or leavening or preparing farinaceous foods, does,
by its chemical reaction, leave in such foods 9 per cent, tartrate of
potash and soda (commercial strength) in combination or in such
quantities as is believed to impair and undermine the health of
many people who use it ; therefore,

Be it enacted, etc., that the chemical known as bitartrate of pot-
ash (cream of tartar) shall not be sold or offered for sale either in
combination with bicarbonate of soda or separately, for the purpose
of aerating, leavening or preparing farinaceous foods, or used by
venders of food products for aerating, leavening or preparing such
food products."

The penalty for violation is fixed at $500 and six months im-
prisonment.

ILLINOIS.

The bill proprosed by the Committee on Legislation, amending
the pharmacy law, has been introduced into the House of Repre-
sentatives by Mr. Purdunn. The principal features of the bill are
the provisions making examination fees non-returnable in case of
failure, the prohibition of adulterations, and the appropriation of
$10,000 for the expenses of the board.

Other bills are as follows :

A bill requiring proprietary medicines to be labelled with the
formula of their constituents.

AmMay!'i9oifrm"} Pharmacy Laws and Legislation. 247

The Mueller Bill prohibiting the use of injurious substances in
food preparations.

The Galligan Bill amending the present label law.

The Hunt Bill regulating the working hours of drug clerks in
cities of 500,000 or more inhabitants.

The Helminiak Bill regulating the sale of baking powders.

PENNSYLVANIA.

The pharmacy bill in Pennsylvania has been defeated by the
decisive vote of 155 to 12, its defeat being due almost entirely to
dissensions among the druggists of the State.

It is also reported that a bill has been enacted which does away
with the triennial registration feature of the old law, and also with
the requirement of exposure of the certificate of registration. This
is regrettable if true, as experience has amply demonstrated the
fact that a pharmacy law is next to unenforceable without these
provisions.

MASSACHUSETTS.

The Cook Bill, mentioned in the April number, and which sought
to increase the liquor license of druggists from $1.00 to $500, has
been defeated.

A petition has been presented to the legislature of the State for
a law to permit all druggists who were entitled to registration at
the time of the passage of the original pharmacy act to register as
drug sellers, but not to compound prescriptions, without examina-
tion.

It is to be hoped that no such vicious measure will ever be per-
mitted to become law. If the men for whose interest it is intended
were too careless to register when they had the opportunity, and
are still too ignorant to pass an examination in pharmacy, they are
certainly too careless or too ignorant to be safe dispensers of drugs
and medicines.

MAINE.

A bill has been introduced into the Maine Legislature granting
druggists the right to sell liquors for medicinal, chemical and
mechanical purposes, with certain restrictions designed to prevent
an improper use of the privilege.

248 Pharmacy Laws arid Legislation. \f^x^;^Tm^

MICHIGAN.

A bill to prevent the improper sale of liquors by druggists, and
providing for an assistant Secretary of the Board of Pharmacy, has
passed the Senate.

MISSOURI.

The measure amending the Missouri Pharmacy Law so as to
prevent the registration of physicians as pharmacists without
examination has been made law.

The amendment, for a copy of which we are indebted to Dr. H.
M. Whelpley, is as follows :

Section i. Section 3037 of chapter 23 of the Revised Statutes
of 1899, relating to druggists and their licenses, is hereby amended
by striking out the words " Provided, that nothing in this chapter
shall be construed to require any physician duly authorized to
practise medicine in this State to submit to an examination as a
condition precedent to a license as a pharmacist, but that the same
shall be issued upon presentation of his diploma as a physician," so
that the said section, as so amended, shall read as follows :

Sec. 3037. It shall be unlawful for the proprietor of any store
or pharmacy to allow any person, except a registered pharmacist, to
compound or dispense the prescriptions of physicians, or to retail
or dispense poisons for medical use, except as an aid to or under the
supervision of a registered pharmacist. Any person violating the
provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor,
and, on conviction thereof, shall be liable to a fine of not less than
$25 nor more than $100 for each and every offense."

It is regrettable that the pharmacists of Missouri did not make
use of this opportunity to procure the enactment of the form of
law approved last year by the American Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion.

The following, known as the Griffin Bill, has, according to the
National Druggist, from which we copy, been introduced into the
Missouri Legislature.

Sec. 3018a. In all prosecutions, either upon indictment or infor-
mation, for the sale of intoxicating liquor under what is known as
the dramshop act, and in all prosecutions for the sale of intoxicat-
ing liquor without license, it shall be sufficient for the State to
show the sale of such intoxicating liquor, and if the defendant

Am,Mayr,*i9M?rm"} Pharmacy Laws and Legislation. 249

admits such sale, it shall devolve upon him to show that he sold such
intoxicating liquor legally ; and it shall be no defense for the defend-
ant to show that he was doing business under a merchant's license,
or that he was a registered pharmacist, a druggist, or the proprietor of
a drug store, unless he shall show that such sale, if made, was made
in conformity to the provisions of the lazv concerning merchants or
druggists.

As a druggist would necessarily admit a legal sale of liquor, he
would stand prima facie convicted of crime under this section, and
would be open to endless blackmail and persecution if it should
become a law.

MINNESOTA.

The Hillmond Bill, which has the support of the prohibition in-
terests, makes it a misdemeanor for a physician to prescribe more
than two " apothecary ounces " of distilled, vinous, or malt liquors
for any one person in any one day. If th>s should become a law, its
effect would be to render illegal the use of alcoholic liquors in the
class of cases in which they are of most benefit, while it would have
little or no effect upon the improper use of liquor by those who are
determined to possess it.

TENNESSEE.

The following curiosity, known as the Wickham Bill, has been
introduced into the legislature of the State of Tennessee :

" Section i. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of
Tennessee, that it shall be a misdemeanor for any person or persons
to sell or give away within the State of Tennessee, any morphine or
any preparation or mixtures containing the active property or
principle of morphine, except on the written prescription of a prac-
tising physician, and said prescription is not to be refilled, except
at the instance of the physician giving the prescription, who shall
give written permission to the party to whom prescription was
given, to have same refilled ; provided, that nothing in this act
shall apply to the wholesale dealer in supplying the retail dealer,
or to the retail dealer who may sell to practising physician.

Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, that any person or persons vio-
lating the provisions of this act shall be deemed guilty of a misde-
meanor, and on conviction shall be fined not less than $10, nor
more than $500, and imprisoned in the county jail where the person

250 Pharmacy Laws and Legislation. {Am-ia"'i9M?rm*

or persons reside at the time of commission of said offense, not less
than thirty days nor more than ninety days imprisonment, only in
the discretion of the court.

The expression, " active property or principle of morphine," and
in the 2d Section," imprisoned in the county jail where the person
or persons reside at the time of commission of said offence," are
excellent examples of the use of language to conceal thought, and
are samples of the careless phraseology in many of the existing
pharmacy laws.

Decisions of Interest to Pharmacists.

lawfulness of combinations to maintain prices sustained.

The suit of the Los Angeles, California, cutters against the Re-
tailers' Association and the jobbers of that city, for $50,000
damages received because of an alleged unlawful combination to
prevent the plaintiffs from procuring goods, has been decided in
favor of the defendants. The court in its opinion follows the line
of recent decisions and maintains the principle that the producers or
sellers of an article have the right to fix the price at which the
same may be sold, and to refuse to supply the same to others who
will not agree to maintain such prices.

RESPONSIBILITY OF DRUGGISTS FOR POISONOUS PRESCRIPTIONS.

A recent police court decision at Cleveland, Ohio, is of interest to
pharmacists.

The case was as follows : A physician gave a druggist's clerk a
verbal prescription to put up a certain quantity of tincture of
aconite, to be labeled " ten drops in a glass of water and then a tea-
spoonful every hour," which was done. The mother of the child
gave it first the ten drops in a glass of water, and an hour later a
teaspoonful of the pure tincture, resulting of course in the death of
the patient. The clerk who put up the prescription was arrested
under the law given below.

The Ohio label law, divested of superfluous verbiage, declares
that when any dealer shall sell any drug or medicine an indiscrimi-
nate or careless use of which would be destructive to human life, he
shall affix to each bottle or package a label in red ink, bearing the
name of the drug, skull and cross bores, the words caution and
poison, and the names of at least two of the most readily obtainable

AmM£?ri£i.arm'} Pharmacy Laws and Legislation. 251

effective antidotes. It contains no clause exempting physicians'
prescriptions from the law.

Judge Fiedler, before whom the hearing was had, decided in favor
of the defendant, the following being the salient points of his
decision :

" The relation between the druggist and his customer is two-fold :

" (1) When he sells an article purely and simply, where his pro-
fessional skill is not brought into account, as, for example, where a
customer purchases 15 cents worth of tincture of aconite. In this
case we have a purely commercial transaction, that is, a sale, and
Section 4354-64 applies.

"(2J Where a customer brings a prescription, or, as in our case,
the prescription is left by the physician, and the customer calls
for the medicines, a different relation exists between the parties
in this latter case. There are the three parties necessary, the
physician, druggist and purchaser. The physician examines his
patient and decides what shall be used — the patient has no
choice in the matter whatever — he takes what is given him. He
relies upon the skill of the physician, and, having received his
prescription, he relies upon the druggist to follow the directions
therein set forth. He must have confidence in the ability of each
of them, that of the physician to diagnose the case and that of the
druggist to execute the directions of the physician in compounding
and dispensing the drugs, chemicals and poisons into a medicine.
When once compounded or dispensed, these drugs, chemicals and
poisons lose their identity. They are not so much aconite, mor-
phine, alcohol, water or whatever the ingredients may be ; it is a
medicine and nothing but a medicine.

"The physician must be the best judge of the proper remedy and
must know how that remedy should be applied. He directs the
druggist what to use and in what proportions, and he tells him just
how that compound should be used. It is an extremely delicate
and dangerous operation, and any variation, even in the slightest
degree, from the directions so given, may, and in most cases of dan-
gerous illness undoubtedly would, prove fatal. In the case before
us it did prove fatal. For the performance of this service the drug-
gist charges as any other professional. This is no more a sale of
that medicine, as the law contemplates a sale, than it is a sale when
a lawyer charges his client for writing a letter or a contract. His

252 Pharmacy Laws and Legislation. {AmM£y^9Poiarm'

charge is not for the paper or material used, but for his professional
services.

" Technical words, when used in referring to a technical subject,,
are to be given the meaning which they have when applied to the
particular art or science with reference to which they are used, i. e.t
their technical meaning. So an act relating to commerce is inter-
preted according to the vocabulary of merchants, and it naturally
follows that an act relating to druggists and physicians must be in-
terpreted according to their vocabulary. (23 Ency. of Law, 324.)

" In the vocabulary of druggists this was clearly not a sale, but
was a dispensing, and when a medicine is composed of several in-
gredients it is a compounding.

" In the opinion of the court this was not a sale of any drug or
chemical or poison within the meaning of Section 4354-64, and the
defendant is accordingly discharged."

As some higher courts have construed the subject differently in
similar cases, it will be the part of wisdom of Ohio pharmacists to
see that at the next session of the Legislature the poison statute is
amended so as to remove all chance for ambiguity.

PRACTICE OF MEDICINE DEFINED.

The Council of the Ontario Medical Society employed an' informer
to detect cases of counter prescribing, and on the evidence thus
procured brought cases against several druggists, one of them being
King vs. Lee and others. The magistrate deciding against the de-
fendants, an appeal was taken before Judge McDougall, who
reversed the magistrate's decision with costs upon the prosecution.
The main points of Judge McDougall's opinion are as 'ollows :

" The conviction only sets out one act as occurring on a named
day. I have already discussed very fully in Reg. vs. Whalen (not
reported) what must be shown to amount to a practising of medi-
cine. The single act of prescribing medicine to one person on one day
will not amount to a practising of medicine. The conviction charges
that the defendant, on the date named in the conviction, prescribed
for Minnie Warring and others contrary, etc. Upon looking at the
testimony there is no evidence of the defendant on that day or at any prior
date having prescribed for any one. Evidence of acts of practising
antecedent to the date named in the conviction might, no doubt, be
given to establish a practising, and possibly evidence of acts of prac-

Am. Jour. Pharm.
May, 1901.

Pharmaceutical Meeting.

253

tising subsequent to the. date laid in the conviction but before the
date of the information, might be given as establishing or tending
to establish a practising of medicine. These acts, however, must
be sufficiently proximate in point of time to afford evidence of prac-
tising rather than tending to establish the commission of a separate
offence. (Apothecaries vs. Jones, I. Q. B. D., 893).

Under the case of Reg. vs. Spain, 19 Ont, 315, and the cases
therein cited, it has been held that it is necessary that the convic-
tion should set out the particular act or acts by the defendant
which constitute the practising. The present convictions do not do
so, and in this particular they are therefore defective." — Canadian
Pharmaceutical Journal.

PHARMACEUTICAL MEETING.

The seventh of the series of pharmaceutical meetings of the Phila-
delphia College of Pharmacy for 19CO-1901 was held Tuesday,
April 16, 1 90 1. Mr. James T. Shinn, a well-known member of
the College, presided. The meeting was different in one or two
particulars from the majority of meetings, and as interesting as any
that have been held this year.

The first speaker was Dr. L. Napoleon Boston, a well-known bac-
teriologist and physician in Philadelphia, who read an interesting
paper on " Technique for the Recognition of Certain Animal Para-
sites in Man " (see page 228). In connection with this paper the
speaker exhibited a number of microscopic slides of these parasites
in different stages of development. Professor Lowe said that the
paper of Dr. Boston was of practical importance, and in comment-
ing upon the subject of tape worms said, that he had given some
attention to their removal and that he believed that the taenifuge
was not so important as the manner of treatment.

In view of the interest that has been aroused in the subject of
expert testimony by Professor Lloyd's treatment of the strychnine
test with sulphuric acid and bichromate of potassium, Mr. Kebler
read a paper on "An Examination of the Chemical Tests for
Strychnine." The speaker gave a brief review of the general meth-
ods for recovering the alkaloids from organic mixtures. In refer-
ence to color reactions, he said that these were influenced by the

254

Pharmaceutical Meeting.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
May, 1901.

concentration and purity of the substance, and that they served
simply as useful guides to be considered in connection with other
properties. Where the substance occurs in sufficient quantity to be
crystallized, the speaker considered the microscopical examination
one of the most reliable of tests for establishing its identity.

Mr. Freeman P. Stroup, Instructor in Chemistry in the College,
made, at the request of Professor Kraemer, an examination of some
powders which were submitted him by Professor Lloyd, the compo-
sition of which was as follows, although this composition was not
known at the time the tests were made, with the exception of No. I :
(i) Mixture of hydrastine, I part, and morphine, 9 parts. (2) Mix-
ture of No. 1, plus 10 per cent, of strychnine. (3) Mixture of hydras-
tine, 1 part, and morphine, 9 parts. (4) Mixture of No. 1, plus 25
per cent, of strychnine. (5) Mixture of No. 1, plus 50 per cent, of
strychnine. (6) Mixture of No. 1, plus 10 per cent, of strychnine.
(7) Mixture of No. 1, plus 25 per cent, of strychnine.

The tests were carried out on crucible lids, and, as nearly as pos-
sible, under the same conditions, and a sample of pure strychnine
was tested under the same conditions in order to note similarities or
differences in behavior.

In each case eight drops C. P. sulphuric acid (sp. gr. 1-84), weigh-
ing approximately '230 grammes, was placed upon crucible lid, and
to it was added a small portion (-oio to -012 grammes) of the pow-
der to be tested, and stirred around with a glass rod until dissolved.
A fragment of potassium bichromate size of pin head (about -006
gramme) was then dropped in and moved about with glass rod.
In the case of the strychnine a violet-blue streak followed the
bichromate, whether the crystal was moved rapidly or slowly, but
the color was transient, changing in one or two seconds to yellow
or orange.

In the case of all the others, if the crystal was moved rapidly
the streak was greenish-yellow, changing rapidly to purplish-
violet, while a slow tracing with the crystal produced the pur-
plish-violet streak at once. The shades produced were not strictly
identical, but so nearly alike that a description could not be given
that would give a definite idea of their differences. No. 3 and No.
4 had a sort of blue-grayish cast, and No. 1 gave the deepest shade,
being practically a purple. In the case of No. 5 the purplish color
disappeared after about an hour, and thereafter the moving of the

Am. Jour. Pharm.
May, 1901.

Pharmaceutical Meeting.

255

crystal showed the same color effects as was shown in the test for
pure strychnine.

After four hours three or four drops of sulphuric acid and a some-
what larger crystal of bichromate were added to each test, produc-
ing after a time a gradual change of the purplish colors of Nos. 2,
3, 4, 6 and 7 to violet brown in the case of Nos. 2, 3 and 4, and
light green in the case of Nos. 6 and 7 ; but in none of these five
cases could any indication of the presence of strychnine, either by
streak or after-color, be detected. Mr. Stroup also tested these
powders before the audience at the close of the meeting.

Prof. F. X. Moerk spoke of the influence of one alkaloidal body
upon another and as interfering in giving definite characteristic reac-
tion. He spoke of the use of solvents as in Dragendorff's scheme for
separating the alkaloids and showed how it could be applied in the
examination of the above powders. He also referred to the old acid
color tests for the identification of fixed oils and said that owing to the
recent improvements of the oils the bodies which had given these
reactions were removed and therefore color tests were now con-
sidered to be of less value. The last of these to be abandoned was
the test for oil of sesame with hydrochloric acid and sugar. On the
whole it was the opinion of Professor Moerk that these tests are
valuable so far as they go, but that all other tests must be used.

Mr. Beringer spoke of the difficulties in the examination of post-
mortem material, and referred to the influence of ptomaines in
modifying color reactions as many of these closely simulate the
alkaloids and other substances. In nearly all cases of this kind
Mayer's reagent will give a reaction, but the substance cannot be
isolated on account of the smallness of the quantity present. He
mentioned the following alkaloids as being closely simulated by
ptomaines : Colchicine, atropine, strychnine, etc. He spoke of a
musty sample of corn-meal which yielded a ptomaine giving the
reaction and physiological symptoms of strychnine. This body was
subsequently broken up into a body resembling nicotine and another
one like strychnine.

F. T. Gordon referred to a post-mortem case in which what was
supposed to be six or seven grains of strychnine were isolated,
but which was found upon investigation to be a ptomaine. He
thought that an important point had been overlooked in this con-
troversy, and that was if we did not know the composition of the

256 Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. {Am-May?i?ohiarm*

mixture (Lloyd's) would we not be inclined to look upon it as being
strychnine.

In commenting upon the use of the microscope in the examina-
tion of substances in small quantities, Professor Kraemer said that
as a result of experiments which he had carried out there were
certain difficulties in the work which prevented the uniform crystal-
lizing of the same substance. He had found that on crystallizing
solutions of alum in watch crystals the crystals separate in three
or four different forms apparently of the same system, although he
thought that even the system of crystallization might be different
but had not investigated this point as yet. It is well known that
calcium oxalate occurs in the monoclinic and tetragonal system.
In other words, microscopic physical conditions must be taken into
account in work of this kind.

William S. Weakley, Instructor in Botany and Pharmacognosy in
the College, gave a paper and demonstration on " Photographic
Development by Gas Light." (See page 234).

Frederick T. Gordon read a paper on " Liquid Carbonic Acid
Gas." (See page 237).

Mr. Stedem exhibited a device made by Dr. William P. Grady
for making the cold contact nitric acid test for albumin. H. K.

THE PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY.

EIGHTIETH ANNUAL, COMMENCEMENT.

The exercises connected with conferring the degrees of Doctor of Pharmacy
and Pharmaceutical Chemist were held in the Academy of Music, Wednesday
evening, April 17th. Prayer was offered by Rev. Kerr Boyce Tupper. The
degrees were conferred by the President, Howard B. French. The following
received the degree of Doctor of Pharmacy :

Name.

Alden, Harley Roscoe,
Anstock, Arthur David,

Barnett, Eldridge Ewing,
Bell, Robert Nevens,
Benner, Frederick James,
Boesch, Theodore Karl,
Boltz, Paul Kline,
Borrowes, George Henry,
Boyson, Theophilus H., Jr.

Subject of Thesis. State.
Assay of Spiritus sEtheris Niirosi, Maine.
Substitution in Pharmacopoeial

Formula, Pennsylvania.
L iquor Potassii A rsenitis, U. S. P. , New Jersey.
Keratinized and other Enteric Pills, Nebraska.
Russian and American Pharmacy , Pennsylvania.
Ancient History of Pharmacy, Pennsylvania.
Pharmacology of Jaborandi, Pennsylvania.
Pharmacy, Pennsylvania.
Digitalis, New Jersey.

Am. Jour. Pharm. 1
May, 1901. J

Name.

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.

Branin, Manlif Lewis,
Brenner, Frederick Arthur,
Cather, Frank Leslie,
Collins, Lane Verlenden,
Cone, Earl Hobart,
Converse, Howard Romaino
Davis, William Brown,
Doan, Chester Clayton,
Dunn, Kdwin Alfred,
Eckels, Paul,
Eddy, Roswell Martin,
Eppler, George Theodore,
Fegley, Florence Augusta,

Fegley, John Stauffer,
Fischer, Adolph Gustave,
Fisher, George Calvin,
Fleming, Samuel Clarkson,
French, Rolland Hall,
Garber, Eltner F. Weaver,
Goodyear, Harry Jacob,

Gruel, John Edward,
Harris, William K. Garfield,
Harbord, Kittie Walker,
Hassinger, Samuel Reed,

Haydock, Mabelle,

Highfield, Herbert Monroe,
Hill, George Price,
Hires, Lewis Moore,
Hoffert, Charles Edward,

Hoffman, Ira Calvin,
Houston, Franklin Paxson,
Hubler, Guy Garfield,
Jetton, James Stuart,
Klopp, Edward Jonathan,
Knerr, Charles George,
Kraus, Otto Louis,
Lacy, Burdett Seldon,
Leib, Wilbur John,
Lewis, Fielding Otis,
Liebert, Louis Williams,
Luddy, James Darrah,
Luebert, Frederick George,

Subject of Thesis.

^Cochineal,

Synthetic Remedies,

Disguising the Taste oj Castor Oil,

Nickel,

Bottled Ammonia,
, Strophanthus,
Pimpinella Anisum,
Oleum Ricini,
Magnesium Carbonate,
Nicotian a Tabacuni,
Spirit us JEtheris Nitrosi,
Sod ii Chloridum,

Official Medicinal Plants of Lehigh

County,
Oleum Morrhuce,
Tijicture of Ferric Chloride,
Substantial Powder Folder,
Eriodictyon,
Seidlitz Poiuders,
Cultivation of Tobacco,
An Antidote to Gelsemium

Sempervirens,
Gelatin Capsules,
Thymol Iodide,
Berberis Aquifolium,

257

State.
New Jersey.
Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.
New Jersey.
New York.
Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.
Illinois.
Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.
Ohio.

Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania.
Oregon.

Analysis of one thousand Prescrip-

tions,
The Bacteriological

Pennsylvania.

Examination

of some Clinical Thermometers, Pennsylvania.

Potassa et Calx Sulphurata, Ohio.

Atropa Belladonna, Pennsylvania.

Vaccine Virus, New Jersey.

Milk Sugar and its uses in Phar-
macy, Pennsylvania.

Maple Sugar, Pennsylvania.

Antitoxin, Pennsylvania.

Phosphorus, Pennsylvania.

Ginseng, Tennessee.

Refined Cocoanut Oil, Pennsylvania.

Potassii Nitras Pennsylvania.

Coal lar, Connecticut.

Manaca, Pennsylvania.

Glonoimim, Pennsylvania.

lecoma Radicans, Kentucky.

Rhamnus Purshiana, Pennsylvania.

Rhus Toxicodendron, Pennsylvania.

The Examination of Commercial

Hypochlorites,

Pennsylvania.

258

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.

Am. Jour. Pharro.
May, 1901.

Name. Subject of Thesis.

McClurg, Benjamin Hoffer, Emulsions,
McDermott, Robert Joseph, Borax,

MacFadden, Warren Lester, A Resin-free Syrup of Senna,

Macphee, John James,
Mauger, Harry Fillman,
Michels, Victor Clyde,
Murphey, Edwin Mason,
Musser, Guy Musselman

Nauss, George Hill,

Pflieger, Adam William,
Post, Arthur Edward,

Pursel, Robert Clayton,
Raser, William Heyl,
Reynolds, Clarence Hyatt,

State.
Pennsylvania.
Pennsj'lvania.
Pennsylvania.
Nova Scotia.
Pennsylvania.

Gossypium Herbaceum,
Liquor Magnesii Citratis,
Loss of Moisture in Lnorganic Salts, Illinois.
The U. S. P. Products of the Pine, Mississippi.
The Modification of Milk as of in-
terest to Pharmacists, Pennsylvania..
Acacia, Pennsylvania.
Picking, Jacob Sylvester, Jr. Elixir Ferri Pyrophosphatis Quin-
ines et Strychnines, Pennsylvania.
Pilocarpus Pennatifolius, Pennsylvania^
Tinctura Opii Deodorati {with

Paraffin) Pennsylvania.
Sanguinaria, Pennsylvania.
Tr. Opii Deodorati {by Benzin) Pennsylvania.
N. A. Hemlock and Tanning Pro-
cess, Pennsylvania^
Asafcetida, Pennsylvania.
Rhamnus Purshiana, Pennsylvania.
Copaifera Officinalis, Pennsylvania.

Rhoads, Luther K.,
Rinker, William,
Roberts, George William,
Rogers, Walter Clyde,
St. Jacques, Gaston,
Saul, Irvin Ellsworth,

Relation of Physician and Druggist, Pennsylvania.

Tinctures ofB. P. and U. S. P.
Unguentum Aqucs Roses,

Schmerker, Adolph A. Beyer, Tincture of Myrrh
Schneider, Emil Sebastian, Tannin and its Extraction,

Schooley, Joseph Griggs,
Shafer, Clarence Eugene,
Shannon, Byron Guest,
Shoults, Robt. Grafton, P.C.
Skillman, Lionel Gilliland,
Slocum, Charles Eben,
Spears, Edward Gibson,
Steever, William Forsaith,
Stoudt, Irwin Sylvester,
Stout, Benjamin Franklin,
Strathie, Alexander John,
Texter, Charles Henry,
Tingle, John Beard,
Urffer, Samuel,
VanGilder, Levi Morton,
Watson, Herbert James,

Wilkinson, Harry,
Wolfer, William Conrad,
Wolfinger, John Philip,
Ziegler, Charles Harry,

Gossypium Herbaceum,
Malt and its Preparatio?i,
Perfumes in the Drug Store,
,Examination of Acacia,
Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis,
Aurum,

Aqua Hydrogenii Dioxidi,
Glyceritum Rhois Glabrce,
Capsules,

The Twentieth Century Pharmacist,

Acidum Salicylicum,

Horse Chestnut,

Llour of Sulphur,

Lron,

Diph th eria A n titoxin ,

Color Standards of the Vegetable

Drugs of the U. S. P.,
Surgical Antiseptics,
Antipyrin,
Erythroxylon Coca,
Syrupus Ferri Lodidi,

Canada.

Pennsylvania.

California.

Pennsylvania.

Illinois.

Pennsylvania.

England.

Pennsylvania.

Ohio.

Pennsylvania.
New Jersey.

Delaware.

Pennsylvania.

Am,May?i9Poiarm'} Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. 259

The following received the degree of Pharmaceutical Chemist:

Name. Subject of Thesis. State.

Bender, Arthur Clarence, The Saponin of the Root of Phyto-
lacca Decandra L., Iowa.
Brookes, Virginia Cade, The Mesquite, Texas.
Graham, Willard Rice, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Pennsylvania.
Headings, Prestie Milroy, Glycerin, Pennsylvania.
Penrose, Thomas William, Distilled Water, Pennsylvania.
Pollins, Harry G. Lomison, The Preparation of Ointments, Pennsylvania.
Ryan, Thomas Andrew, Adeps Bezoinatus, Pennsylvania.
Scott, Henry William, Assay of Zinc Ore, Pennsylvania.

The Certificate of Proficiency in Chemistry was awarded to the following:

Andrews, Willard CrandalJ, P.D.; Cavanaugh, Frank Arthur; Ehrnan, Joseph
William, Ph.G.; French, Rolland Hall; Smith, Frank G. D., Ph.G.; Staley,
Frederick Walton; Winters, Olas Earl.

Prof. Joseph P. Remington, Dean of the Faculty made the announcement
that among the prizes offered this year was one to the class as a whole. This was
the President's cup offered by the President of the College, Howard B. French,
in commemoration of the eightieth anniversary, and is intended also as an incen-
tive to study to each of the individual members of the class. It is to be held in
trust by this class nntil a succeeding class attains a higher grade of scholarship.

The Valedictory was delivered by Hon. Charles F. Warwick, who gave a
short resume of the history of the College and referred to some of the condi-
tions existing in pharmacy and medicine in the early part of this century and
compa-ed them with thos2 of to-day. This was followed with some ver}- whole-
some and pertinent advice to the members of the graduating class.

The Procter Prize of a gold medal and certificate for highest grade of
scholarship and meritorious thesis was awarded to Irvin E. Saul and presented
by the President, Howard B. French.

The Wieeiam B. Webb Memorial Prize of a gold medal and certificate,
offered by Mrs. Rebecca T. Webb for the highest general average in the
examination of the committee, operative pharmacy and specimens, was
awarded to Edwin M. Murphey and presented by William J. Jenks.

Chemistry Prize, a prize of $25 in gold offered by Prof. Samuel P. Sadtler,
for knowledge of quantitative chemical analysis, was awarded to Earl H. Cone.

Materia Medica Prize, a prize of $25 by Prof. Clement B. Lowe, for the
recognition of rare drugs, was awarded to Lionel G. Skillman.

Pharmacognosy Prize, a prize of $25 by Prof. Henry Kraemer for the
best thesis on the Pharmacognosy of vegetable drugs, was awarded to Herbert
J. Watson.

The Maisch Prize, a prize of $20, offered by Mr. J. H. Redsecker, of
Lebanon, Pa , for histological knowledge of drugs, was awarded to Lionel G,
Skillman and presented by Joseph L. Lemberger.

Operative Pharmacy Prize, a prize of $20 in gold, offered by Prof.
Joseph P. Remington for the best examination in operative pharmacy , was
awarded to Edward J. Klopp, the presentation being made by James T. Shinn,

Theoreticae Pharmacy Prize, a prize of a fine Troemner agate prescrip-
tion balance, offered by Mahlon N. Kline, for the best examination in theory
and practice of pharmacy, was awarded to Irvin E. Saul.

260 Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. {A VaTi9oiiarm'

COMPLIMENTARY SUPPER OF THE FACULTY.

The professors' farewell supper to the graduates was given on Tuesday even-
ing, April 16th, in the Museum of the College. Many of the officers and
trustees of the College were present, as also other invited guests. The supper
having been served, the remainder of the evening was devoted to toast-making
and other matters of interest. The President's cup, which has already been
alluded to, was presented on this occasion. It is of silver, and is in the form of
a loving cup, being 12 inches in height and 7^ inches in diameter, and is in-
scribed in an appropriate manner. The cup was received on behalf of the
class by Victor C. Michels.

A very gratifying feature of the occasion was the presentation to the College of
a portrait painting of the late Charles August Heinitsh, on behalf of his friends
of the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Association, by Joseph L. Lemberger,
who gave a brief but impressive sketch of the life and character of Mr.
Heinitsh.

This was succeeded by another interesting presentation, viz., a portrait of the
late Dr. Edward R. Squibb, which was presented on behalf of his family by Prof.
Joseph P. Remington. Professor Remington having enjoyed a long personal
acquaintance with Dr. Squibb, spoke in a manner befitting his work and at-
tainments, and his influence on pharmacy and medicine. The President ac-
cepted both of these presents on behalf of the College, and said that there was
no more fitting place for them than the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.

Professor Remington, as Dean of the Faculty, acted as toast-master, and
toasts were responded to by the members of the Faculty and Instructors, some
of the members of the College and Board of Trustees, and by many of the
members of the graduating class.

BACCALAUREATE SERMON.

In connection with the other exercises of Commencement Week, a bacca-
laureate sermon was delivered to the graduates on Sunday, April 14th, by Dr.
C. E. Stevens, Rector of Christ Church, Second and Market Streets. Incident-
ally it may be mentioned that this church is one of the most interesting struc-
tures in Philadelphia, retaining the architectural appearance of the early
colonial time, and having been the place of worship of Franklin and the early
Presidents of the United States.

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.

The thirty-seventh annual meeting of the Alumni Association was held in
Alumni Hall, on Monday afternoon, April 15th, with the President, Theodore
Campbell, in the chair.

Following the annual address of the President, in which a number of recom-
mendations were made relative to the interests of the Association, reports from
the Treasurer, Secretary and Editor of the Alumni Report were read. Re-
ports were also received from the several standing committees of the Association.

The following is the list of officers elected for the ensuing year : President,
John H. Hahn ; First Vice-President, Wm. G. Nebig ; Second Vice-President,
Albert Oetinger ; Recording Secretary, Wm. E. Krewson ; Treasurer, C. C.
Meyer ; Corresponding Secretary, J. M. Baer ; Board of Directors : O. W. Os-
terlund, F. P. Stroup, Nicholas F. Weisner, Herman Dilks, Jr., and^L> S.
King.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
May, 1901.

Annual Meeting.

261

The thirty-seventh annual reception of the Association was given to the
graduating class, on the evening of the same day, in the College Museum.

Introductory remarks having been made by the President, the Secretary
called the roll of members elected during 1900-01. An address to the new
members was then delivered by Jos. L. Lemberger, of Lebanon, Pa.

The several prizes offered by the Association were presented as follows :

The Alumni gold medal to the member of the graduating class receiving
the highest general average, was awarded to Irvin Ellsworth Saul, the presen-
tation being made by the President, Theodore Campbell.

The Alumni prize certificates to the members of the class receiving the
highest averages in each of the branches, were awarded as follows, Mr. Mah-
lon N. Kline making the presentation: In Pharmacy, to Irvin Ellsworth
Saul ; in Chemistry, to Edwin Mason Murphey ; in Materia Medica, to Lionel
Gilliland Skillman ; in General Pharmacy, to Rolland Hall French ; in Oper-
ative Pharmacy, to Edward Jonathan Klopp ; in Analytical Chemistry, to
Frederick George Luebert ; in Pharmacognosy, to Howard Romaino Converse.

The Alumni silver medal was awarded to David Wilfong Ramsaur, of
Palatka, Fla., for the best general average in the second }^ear examination.

The Alumni bronze medal was awarded to Chester Augustus Billetdoux, of
North Adams, Mass., for the best general average in the first year examination.

The class oration was given by Theodore K. Boesch ; the poem by Fielding
O. Lewis ; the history, by James S. Jetton, and the prophecy, by Alexander J.
Strathie.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COLLEGE.

The annual meeting of the members of the Philadelphia College of Phar-
macy was held on March 25, J 901, at the College, 145 North Tenth Street.
Forty-one members were present, the President, Howard B. French, presiding.
The minutes of the quarterly meeting held December 31, 1900, were read and
approved. The minutes of the Board of Trustees for the meetings in January,
February and March were read by the Registrar, W. Nelson Stem, and
approved as read.

The annual meeting being the occasion for reports of the officers and Stand-
ing Committees, these were given in the following order :

Committee on Publication by H. N. Rittenhouse, who among other things
called attention to the fact that all bills for the past year have been paid, and
there is a cash balance to the credit of the committee. There has been an
observance of economy in several respects.

During the year a number of problems have been considered by the com-
mittee, and while no radical measures have been attempted everything in the
direction of a wise economy has been realized. The number of unsold
volumes on hand is about 1,600, covering the period from 1829 to date.

Editor's Report, by Henry Kraemer. Alluding to the beginning of the new
century, the editor gave a retrospective view of the Journal and followed
with a consideration of the problems of the present and giving some sugges-
tions in regard to the future.

Librarian's Report, by Thomas S. Wiegand. This report states that 210
volumes have been added during the year, besides a large number of pamphlets.

262

Annual Meeting.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
May, 1901.

The library has bseu consulted much more daring the past year than for
several years past.

Committee on Pharmaceutical Meetings, by Henry Kraemer. These meet-
ings have been held regularly during the College year. The programs have
been full of interesting and valuable matter, and in this respect have been as
successful as could be desired.

Curator's Report, by Joseph W. England. He reports the museum in good
condition, and has received a number of accessions during the year. The
working collection of official drugs and preparations placed in the reading
room has been in daily use by a large number of students, and has proven of
great value to them.

A new feature of the annual meeting was the report of the President, giving
concise information as to the affairs of the College. There has been a slight
decrease in the College debt from the previous year. .

There has been established during the year the Keasby and Mattison schol-
arship, making a total of six scholarships now available.

The property has been well cared for and kept fully up to its past standard.

The adoption of an amendment to the By-Laws creating a Committee on
Nominations, it is believed will prove of material advantage to the College.

The President alluded to the kind consideration shown him during the year,
and concluded by'stating that the continued success and prosperity of the Col-
lege depends upon the active co-operation of all the members.

Delegates were appointed as follows :

American Pharmaceutical Association, at St. Louis, September 16, 1901 —
Prof. Henry Kraemer, William L. Ciiffe, William Mclntyre, J. H. Redsecker
and Prof. C. B. Lowe.

To the Pennsyvania Pharmaceutical Association at Harvey's Lake, June 18-
20, 1901 — Mahlon N. Kline, Harry L. Stiles, B M. Boring, Joseph W. Eng-
land and C. A. Weidemann.

Fred T. Gordon offered the following resolution, which was adopted :

' ' Resolved, That the professors of the College recommend to the students the
queries of the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Association as suitable subjects for
theses, and that this be referred to the Committee on Theses for action."

The election of officers, Trustees and Standing Committees being next in
order, William Mclntyre and Henry C. Blair, third, were appointed tellers, who
reported the following as being elected :

President, Howard B. French ; First Vice-President, William J. Jenks ; Sec-
ond Vice-President, Dr. R. V. Mattison; Recording Secretary, Dr. C. A.
Weidemann ; Corresponding Secretary, Dr. A. W. Miller ; Treasurer, James T.
Shinn ; Librarian, Thomas S. Wiegand ; Curator, Joseph W. England ; Editor,
Prof. Henry Kraemer.

Trustees for three years : Prof. Samuel P. Sad tier, William L. Ciiffe and
Joseph L. Lemberger. Committee on Publication : Henry N. Rittenhouse,
Prof. Samuel V . Sadtler, Wallace Procter, Prof. Henry Kraemer, Joseph W.
England, Prof. Joseph P. Remington and Dr. R. V. Mattison, Committee on
Pharmaceutic ,1 Meetings— Dr. R. V. Mattison, Prof. Joseph P. Remington,
Prof. C. B. Lowe, F. W. E. Stedem, Prof. Henry Kraemer.

C. A. Weidemann, M.D.,

Secretary.

THE AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY

JUNE, i go i.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE STUDY OF THE
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHEMICAL CONSTI-
TUTION AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION
OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS.
By Prof. Virgin Coblentz.

The object of this paper is to present, in as concise a manner as possible,
the outline of a few selected topics bearing upon this subject. At a future date
a more complete presentation of this subject will be made. Those interested
in modern synthetics will find a general resume of the subject in the Journal of
the Society of Chemical Industry , Vol. xvii, No. 8.

The long well-known fact that certain relations existed between
physiological action, molecular weight and isomorphous inorganic
bodies led to a similar study of organics. This subject received its
direct stimulus by Fischer's discovery of Kairine in 1882, followed
by the accidental discovery of the antipyretic properties of acetan-
ilid in 1887.

A proof that a close relationship exists between chemical consti-
tution and physiological action is shown by the fact that certain
changes in chemical structure or constitution causes like changes in
the physiological action of similar bodies; further, the addition of
certain groups to compounds of different action produces bodies of
similar physiological action or are alike rendered inactive.

According to Crum Brown and Fraser the methylating of differ-
ent alkaloids of different physiological action produces compounds
which paralyze all the motoric nerve terminals like curarin.

The introduction of the carboxyl (COOH) or the sulphonic acid
(SO3H) groups into bodies of well denned toxic properties, results

(263)

264 Developments in Organic Compounds. /Am- Jonr- Pharm-

June, 1901.

in a marked diminution or total disappearance of their action, as
for example

Benzole C6H6 Benzoic acid QH-COOH

Phenol C6H5OH Para-phenol sulphonic acid C6H/

XS03H

Phenyl sulphonic acid C6H5 — O — SOsH

7OH

Ortho-phenol carboxylic acidC6H '

XCOOH

Naphtalin C10HS Naphtoic acid C10H7COOH

Ammonia NH3 Glycocoll GH2NH2COOH

OH Morphin sulphonic acid

Morphin C17H / .OH

NO— OH C,yHM

XO— S03H

(May be given in five times the morphin dose.)
OH

tvt Ui. 1 11 r tt \ a non-toxic derivative of toxic

Naphtol yellow ClQH4 ^- (N02)2 Martiu,g yeUow

SO3H

It is immaterial if the sulphonic acid group is united to a carbon
or oxygen.

The toxicity of the organic acids decreases with the increase of
carboxyl groups, as from formic and acetic acids to tartaric and
citric acids. The toxic characters of oxalic acid [(COOH)2] are due
to the double

Co
Co

carboxyl group which in effect resembles the dicyanogen

The stability of the carboxyl and sulphonic acid groups serves to
protect these derivatives from breaking up in the system and exert-
ing toxic action. That certain groups lose their specific action
through simple changes in the molecular structure is explained
physiologically in that certain cell groups of the organism exert a

A'u. Jour. Phirm.
June, 1901.

} Developments in Organic Compounds.

265

selective influence upon exposed groups of the molecule, thereby
anchoring the entire complex in certain tissues where they break
up and exert their action. This is especially noticeable through
changing terminal or exposed groups when the action fails entirely,
although the nucleus remains intact,

The theory of Loew,1 which aims to explain the chemical consti-
tution of living protoplasm, claims that all substances which in
great dilution react with aldehyde or amido groups, are toxic to all
forms of lite, and the greater the reactive ability of a substance with
reference to these groups, the greater its activity and toxicity.
Such bases as hydroxylamine

H-

and diamid H2N — NH2 which react readily with aldehydes and
ketones are active poisons for plants and animals. Phenylhydra-
zine (C6H5MH — NH2), which is especially reactive towards alde-
hydes (R — CHO), and the Keto (R — CO — R) groups is on the
same ground a violent blood poison.

Bodies containing a tertiary nitrogen and possessing slight or no
toxic properties, become very poisonous through reduction and for-
mation of an imido group.

H3C

N N NH

Collidin Pyridin Pipendin

Thus pyridin is more toxic than collidin, and piperidin more than
either of the others.

Tetrahydro quinolin is far more energetic than quinolin, likewise
pyrrol

HC = CH

^ NH Pyrrol

; = ch

is more poisonous than pyridin.

1 Die chemische Energie der lebeuden Zellen.

266 Developments in Organic Compounds. { Am"jUnUe?i9oiarm*

Loew explains this by the increase of reactive ability towards the
aldehyde groups of the protoplasm. This theory is supported by
the observation that bodies with labile amido groups increase in
toxicity when a second amido group is introduced. This decreases,
however, when the amido (NH2 — ) group is converted into an
imido ( — NH) group. Thus the phenylene diamines

7NH2
C H /

XNH2

are more toxic than

XNH2

toluidin, also when one H of the amido group in anilin (C6H5NH0)
is replaced by an acid radical as acetyl (CH3CO) or benzoyl
(C6H5CO) as in acetanilid (C6H5NHCH3CO) or benzanilid
(C6H5NHC6H5CO) these bodies react less readily than anilin with
aldehydes.

Our greatest difficulty is accountable to our fragmentary knowledge
of the selective powers of the human organs and tissues, which
has been only partially established through histological staining
and toxicological experiments. Loew's views enlighten us only
upon certain groups of bodies which react with aldehydes and
amido groups.

INFLUENCE OF HYDROXYL GROUPS.

The introduction of hydroxyl ( — OH) groups in aliphatic bodies
modifies their action, which decreases with their increase in num-
ber. Thus the narcotic alcohols and aldehydes the harmless gly-
cols, glycerols and aldols, still more marked is the change exemplified
in the polyhydric alcohols, as heptol, mannitol, etc. The presence
of this group in caffeine practically destroys its effect. These groups
so affect the stability of a compound that its decomposition in the
system is readily effected. The replacement of one H in the benzole
ring increases its reactive ability and convulsive action, decreasing
with an increase in number, but toxic action in another direction
increases accordingly, from phenol (C6H5OH) to resorcinol
■ (C6H4(OH)oi-3.) to phloroglucin (C6H3(OH)3r3'5), chronic convul-
sions result through action upon the spinal cord. Toxicity and

Am. Jour. Pharm.
JuDe, 1901.

Developments in Organic Compounds.

267

physiologic action depend largely upon the relative position of the
replacing groups.

In general, substitution lessens the toxic characters of phenols,
provided the entering groups are not toxic — for example, salicylic
acid, gallic acid, sulfocarbolic acid.

The hydroxyl group is intimately associated with the toxic
action of morphin, which, through its narcotic characters, differs
from all other opium alkaloids, its action being chiefly upon the
nerve centers of the brain. Upon closing these OH groups through
the replacement of one or both of the hydrogens by alkyl or acid
radicals, the narcotic characters disappear, where, on the other
hand, a spinal excitant (tetanic action) is developed, increasing with
the number of alkyl radicals introduced. Thus codein produces
like morphin (but in lesser degree) narcosis followed by an elevated
reflex excitability which, if the dose is sufficiently large, develops
tetanic convulsions. Dionin (ethyl ether of morphin) is more active
than codein. Other members of this class are Peronin (benzyl
morphin) and Heroin (di-acetyl morphin). These substances, while
less active for relieving pain, exert a sedative effect on the unstriped
muscles of the bronchi and reduce the disposition to cough, hence
are of value in phthisis, bronchitis, asthma, etc.

/OH

Morphin C17H17.

^NO
OH

Codein C17H17

Lionin C17H17

Peronin C17H17.

Heroin C17H17.

NO . OCTL

^NO
,OH

OC2H5

OC6H5CH2
- CH3CON.

NO . O — CHqCO

Methyl morphin.

Ethyl morphin.

Benzyl morphin.

Di-acetyl- morphin .

The most toxic alkaloid of opium is Thebain, which, accord-
ing to Stockmann, aside from its narcotic action in small doses, is
identical in tetanic effect to strychnin.

268

Developments in Organic Compounds. {

Am. Jour. Pharm.
June, 1901.

och3

C17H

15-

Thebai'n.

NO . OCH3

Pyrocatechol (C6H4(OH)2i.2.) through conversion into guaiacol

develops an irritating action on the spinal cord.

Observations prove that it is not the hydroxyl groups in them-
selves nor always the terminal groups that determine solely the
action of a substance, but the character and complexity of the mole-
cule. However, these groups assist in bringing the entire molecule
into action with certain chemical compounds in the organism.
When the reactive group which exerts the selective action of the
compound in the organism is slightly altered or covered, then under
conditions we can prevent the action of the entire compound.
Between such terminal groups as hydroxyl or methoxyl and certain
nerve centers or points in the organism where chemical substances
react, definite chemical relations must exist. Through changes in
these terminal groups we are able to move the point of attack of
the substance or to render it absolutely inactive, but as long as it
remains active, the fundamental characters of its action (although
frequently modified) always manifest themselves, as for example
the alkaloids and their derivatives.

The replacement of a hydroxyl by an alkyl rest renders the entire
body chemically and pharmacologically more resistant to oxidation
in the system. Alkyl groups, more especially the ethyl, impart a
narcotic effect. This narcotic and analgesic action is independent
of the chemical character of the substance, it being a specific prop-
erty of this group alone. The methyl group exerts a like effect,
but much weaker and less certain. Higher alkyl rests present no
advantages over the ethyl. Thus, through the introduction of an
oxyethyl group into caffeine (ethoxycaffeine) an additional narcotic
action is developed.

Disulfones which contain ethyl ( — C2H5) groups are active, and
the intensity of effect evidently depends upon the number of such
groupings contained in the molecule.

INTRODUCTION OF ALKYL RESTS.

AmjJu0nUe^'i9oiarm'} Developments in Organic Compounds. 269
A disulfone containing 'but. one ethyl group
CH3v /SOo.CHg

CH./ XS02.C2H5
Ethyl-methyl-sulfone-di-methyl-methane

produces an effect only half as intense as that of one containing
two such groups as sulfonal,

CH S02.C2H5

CH./ XS02C2H5
Diethyl- sulfone-di-methyl-methane.

Again, sulfonal is less active than trional, containing three ethyl
groups.

CH3 ^ y S02 . C2H5

Diethyl sulfone-methyl ethyl-methane.

Tetronal (C2H5)2C(S02C2H5)2) containing four ethyl groups is more
markedly sedative than hypnotic. An interesting fact is that para-
phenetol carbamid (Dulcin)

(co/ )

V \NH — C6H4OC2H/

is sweet, while the methyl derivative is tasteless. The ethyl group
has a certain fixed relationship to the nervous system, as shown by
most bodies containing the ethyl radical. Ehrlich has found that
ethylated colors stain the nerve cells, while those containing methyl
groups failed.

CHLORIN.

In general the introduction of chlorin in aliphatic compounds
produces bodies of a more or less narcotic action where active anti-
septics result if the substituted body belongs to the aromatic series.
Too extensive a substitution will develop unpleasant caustic action.
The introduction of bromin does not yield compounds of any
greater antiseptic value than those produced by iodin.

Iodin imparts to all . bodies of both series strong antiseptic prop-
perties, promoting resorbtion and granulation. The substituted

270

Developments in Organic Compounds. {

Am. Jour. Pharm.
June, 1901.

iodin should be in a sufficient unstable condition so that under in-
fluence of the secretions it will be slowly liberated.

The toxic effect of aliphatic chlorinated products stands in direct
ratio to their narcotic action ; the more chlorine introduced the
greater the toxicity, when otherwise no change in stability and
physical relationship has occurred. Thus methylene chlorid
(CH2C12) is less toxic than chloroform (CHC13) and is a lighter anaes-
thetic. On the other hand, tetra chlor methane (CC14) is far more
dangerous than chloroform. The simpler aldehydes, as formalde-
hyde (HCHO) or acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) are of an irritating
nature. This character disappears upon the introduction of chlorin,
attaining a maximum hypnotic effect in the tri chlor-substitution
product (chloral CG3CHO). The antiseptic effect of the benzole
derivatives increases with addition of halogens ; thus para-chloro-
phenol

are all active antiseptics, the latter being the most active.

The iodin substitution products play a still more important part
among the antiseptics, as, for example iodoform (CHI3), iodo cresol

trichloro-phenol

and tri bromo-phenol

Traumatol C6HI3/

CH3

tri-iodo cresol

Losophan C6HI.

Amju°ne'iwiarm'} Developments in Organic Compounds.

271

DOUBLE LINKAGE.

According to Loew, " bodies with double linkage are more toxic
than the corresponding saturated ones."

For example, Dr. Miessner has shown that those engaged in the
preparation of allyl alcohol

CH„

CH2OH

suffer serious toxic symptoms, while the corresponding saturated
propyl alcohol

CH3
I

CH,
I

CH,OH

is non toxic.

The trebly linked di-iodo-acetyliden

CI
CI

is an energetic poison, likewise allylamin (CH2 = CH — CH2 NH2)
also vinylamin (CH2 = CH . NH2).

The same influence is noticeable in the non-toxic singly linked
alkyl groups of cholin as compared to the very toxic doubly linked
in neurin.

Cholin (CH3)3N<

Neurin (CH,)8N/
Allyl mustard oil

CH2 — CH2OH
OH

/CH = CH2
NOH

Tri- methyl- oxy. e thy I
ammon-hycL rcxid

Iri- methyl-vinyl-
am mon-hydroxid.

CH2
II

CH9— NCS

acrolein

272

Story of the Pap aw.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
June, 1901.

CH0

CH
I

CHO,

and crotonic aldehyde (CH3 — CH = CH — CHO) are all more
toxic than the corresponding saturated groups.

{To be continued.) .

THE STORY OF THE PAPAW.
By F. B. Kilmer.
" The slim papaya ripens its yellow fruit for thee." — Bryant.

Grant Allen tells us that no plant can be properly understood
apart from its native place. Therefore, we begin our study of the
Catica Papaya in its tropical home.

The Carica Papaya is accredited as indigenous in Central
America. Observations and correspondence lead me to conclude
that it has become acclimated in the hot regions of three continents.
The zone of most abundant growth seems to lie between the iso-
thermal lines of 770, wherever soil and rainfall are favorable. It is
grown by cultivation north and south of these lines. (The papaw
is seen as far north as Jacksonville, Fla., and in Southern California.)

In these tropical lands, where every tree or plant has its peculiar
legends and myths, the views of the natives upon plant life are con-
sidered unscientific and valueless, but I have found that, when
stripped of the terms of superstition, some of their observations,
compared with our scientific knowledge, are not far apart. Their
apparent veneration for trees and plants is based upon intimate
association, wherein they have come to a knowledge that plants eat,
drink, marry, propagate, care for their offspring and bestow bless-
ings or curses upon all living things, including man. This is about
all that anybody can know about them.

Many trees are famous in these lands, none more so than the papaw.
Conflicting stories as to its powers and properties are due somewhat
largely to the fact that different species, or variations in species
possessing varying characteristics, are found in these localities.

Quite universal is the knowledge of the unique property that has
given to this tree its world-wide lame, viz.: the power of its milky

Am. Jour. Pharrn.
June, 1901.

Story of the Pap aw.

273

juice to soften and dissolve* tough meat. The statement has passed
current in our journals that the emanations from this tree will dis-
solve and digest albumin, and that it is the custom of natives to
hang meat and chickens in the branches of a tree to render them
tender and edible. The natives often go farther than this ; they
state that if male animals browse under the papaw tree, they
thereby become emasculated. If we compare this statement with
the alleged property of the roots as a generative tonic, we shall
have a marvellous combination of an aphrodisiac and an anaphro-
disiac in the same plant.

The Carica Papaya grows prolifically between isothermal lines of 770; is grown
by cultivation between the lines of 700.

It is needless to urge that such stories are exaggerations of the
pepsin-like properties ot the fruit.

The native uses of the papaw are numerous and varied. The
bark is used in the manufacture of ropes ; the fruit is edible, and,
according to local conditions, may be sweet, refreshing and agree-
able, or in other localities it is sickly, sweet and insipid. The fruits
find a large consumption by the natives, and are considered very
nutritious.

At the corner ot a sugar-cane field where the ragged canes bend
over in a wild green, brown and yellow tangle, there will be stand-

274

Story of the Pap aw.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
June, 1901.

ing a papaw tree, and if the time of the papaw has quite come,
beneath the tree will be assembled a half dozen negroes.

The ripe fruit is eaten as we eat melons. Salt enhances the
flavor, and some users add sugar. The melons must be perfectly
ripe when eaten raw, as the green fruit contains a strongly marked
acrid principle. The color of the ripe fruit is more or less that of
our very yellow muskmelon. The sweetness of its resinous, pulpy
juice clings to the tongue and remains prevalent for some hours.

The natives enjoy the flavor, while the stranger has to acquire the
liking. Excellent preserves are made of the ripe frnit, which, for
this purpose, is boiled down in sugar and candied (like citron).

At the sugarhouses slices of the papaw are often seen seething
in hot syrup. The slices of melon combined with some acid fruit is
made into native tarts, which articles correspond more or less to
what we call " pies." The fruit is also stewed and served on the
table. The green fruit is made into plain and spiced pickles, which
are highly esteemed.

The fruit, just before ripening, is peeled and sliced, macerated in
cold water, with frequent changes of the water for some hours ; the
then macerated fruit is dropped into boiling water, boiled sharply
and then served as a vegetable.

In every tropical village one will find a market place set apart
where the native products are bought and sold, and in such a place
by the roadside, under the shade, are the market women in their
quaint baskets or bowls, the traveller finds an astonishing and puz-
zling variety of green and yellow colored fruits and vegetables.
The papaw is always there in abundance, and a most frequent cry
of the sellers is, " Aqui estan las Mameo," or " Ca qui ule papaya
ca qui ule.''

As an article of food one finds the papaw prepared in a score of
ways, making a variety of edible dishes, which, from the native
standpoint, would be expressed in our language as " wondrous and
nutritious delicacies."

A plant so universally distributed and possessed with such varied
properties, naturally takes an important place in the native materia
medica. In the native parlance, " It makes him much well."

The seeds are reputed as anthelmintic1 and emmenagogue; they
are also used as a thirst quencher, form component parts of a drink
used in fevers, as well as being used as a carminative. Syrups,

Am. Jour. Pharm.
June, 1901.

Story of the Papaw.

275

wines and elixirs made from the ripe fruit are expectorant, sedative
and tonic.

A malady which the natives call the " cocoa bag," is a trouble-
some tropical disease, reputed to be hereditary and contagious; at
all events, it seems to lurk in the blood of persons of otherwise
apparently good health and habits. Suddenly the victim becomes a
mass of offensive sores, debilitated, etc. The native doctors add the
papaw fruit to the diet drinks used in this disease, and succeed in
moderating its violence, at least. To the sores a paste made with
the papaw milk as one of the constituents is also applied.

The slight pimples accompanying the first stages of the yaws
soon spread into ulcerous sores that cover the entire body. Here,
too, the claim is made that a slice of the papaw rubbed over the
pimples will abort them. It is also claimed that the ulcers may be
cleaned in a similar fashion.

I witnessed a most striking cleansing of a black foot in which the
chiga had bored and laid its eggs, producing a mass of foulness
beyond description. Here a paste of the papaw milk was pushed
into the seething mass and kept there for forty-eight hours. It was
then flushed, curetted, and antiseptics were applied. A clean wound
which readily healed, resulted.

The green leaves or slices of the green fruit of the papaw are
rubbed over soiled and spotted clothes, and by its power of dissolv-
ing stains, papaw has acquired the name of " melon bleach." The
leaves or a portion of the fruit are steeped in water and the treated
water is used in washing colored clothing, especially black, the
colors are cleaned up and held fast.

The seeds are eaten as a delicacy. They have quite an agreeable
taste, something on the order of the water-cress and a piquancy
slightly suggestive of the mustard family. Macerated in vinegar
they are served as a condiment.2

The strange and beautiful races of the Antilles astonish the eyes
of the traveller who sees them for the first time. It has been said that
they have taken their black, brown and olive and yellow skin tints

^he anthelmintic properties residing in both the seed and juice have been
noted by various authorities.

2 The seeds are encased in a slimy coating and advantage is taken of this by
the younger generation, who spread them out on a board, and by this means
form a " slide," which corresponds with the frozen gutters so agreeable to our
northern urchins.

276

Story of the Pap aw.

Am. Jour. Pharai.
June, 1901.

from the satiny and bright hued rinds of the fruits which surround
them. If they are to be believed, the mystery of their clear, clean
complexion and exquisite pulp-like flesh arises from the use of the
papaw fruit as a cosmetic. A slice of the ripe fruit is rubbed over
the skin and is said to dissolve spare flesh and remove every
blemish. It is a toilet requisite in use by the young and old, pro-
ducing, according to the words of a French writer, " the most beau-
tiful specimens of the human race."

The papaw has been brought to America as a cure for the national
disease, dyspepsia. In its tropical, home there are no dyspeptics,
but its use along similar lines is by no means unknown.

The meat in these countries is tough and tasteless; beef, mutton,
pork or fowl have the same flavor, and are as tough as hickory
wood; boiling until they fall to pieces does not render them any
more edible ; they simply change from solid wood to fine tough
splinters.

One reason for this is that in this climate meat must be eaten
immediately after slaughter. (It often reaches the pot in an hour
after killing.) The papaw helps to overcome this Rubbed over
tough meat it will render it soft and change a piece of apparent
leather to a tender, juicy steak. It is put into the pot with meat,
enters into the cereals, soups, stews and other dishes, and they are
made at least more edible and digestible.

Most of the half-breeds of Indian extraction upon the South
American Continent and adjacent islands are particularly given to
meat diet ; many of them eat it raw,3 sometimes in a state of partial
decay, and here the papaw is brought into use, being eaten with the
flesh or rubbed over it before it is eaten.

Some of these people are great gluttons ; they gorge themselves
until the skin on their distended stomach is stretched to its utmost.
It is certain that no human being could digest the kind of food and
the enormous amounts they consume without the kindly aid of the
papaw fruit to assist digestion.

NAMES AND CHARACTERISTICS.

The botanical characteristics of this family having been more or
less completely described by various authors, need not here be

3 In Bolivia and Paraguay it is a very common sight at the railway stations
to see raw meat peddled out in chunks to passengers.

Am. Jour. Ptaarm.
June, 1901.

Story of the Pap aw.

277

repeated. Of the many species the following are edible : Carica
cauliflora, C pyriformis, C microcarpa, C. integrifolia, C Papaya and
C quercifoha.

The Carica digil lata is credited with poisonous emanations, and its
juice is actively poisonous, causing pustulation when applied to the
flesh.

The Carica Papaya is designated by different names in the
various localities where found. For instance, in Mexico, " lechoso,"
in Brazil, " papai," "maneo" and " mamerio "; in Paraguay,
"mamon."4

Here, too, the term "jacarata" (chakarateca) is applied to the
Carica Papaya, as well as to several trees of the same natural
order. In Yucatan the native uncultivated variety is designated as
" chich put," or little papaya, while the cultivated is simply " put."
The Spaniards designated the original species as " papaya los
pajaros " or " bird papaya." The term " papaw," though sometimes
applied to several species, almost universally means the Carica
Papaya.

Among the names by which botanists have designated this plant
are the following : Papaya fructu melopeponis, Tuournefort ; Papaya
Carica, Gaertn ; P. lyatira, Tuss; P. vulgaris, A. D. C; P. Orien-
tates Col. ; Carica Papaya, L.; C. Maniaya, Veil.
The Carica Papaya may, in brief, be described as follows :
A single, supple, slim, straight stalk, terminating in a group of
large leaves which are arranged in the form of an umbrella, branch-
ing only when its growth is interfered with. Cultivated plants
attain a height of from 10 to 30 feet ; wild varieties push up to 60
or even to 100 feet. Near the base of mature trees the diameter
ranges from 6 inches to I foot. In a young plant the stalks consist
of a cellular pith filled with water ; in a mature tree that portion of
the trunk immediately under the bark is fibrous for a few inches,
followed by a soft inner layer of an inch or more, terminating in the
central portion, which is hollow. At intervals through the hollow
centre are seen membranous tissues dividing the cavities into sec-
tions, and in the rainy season, for a considerable height up the
trunk, this central cavity is filled with water. The wood of the

4 In Brazil the uncultivated plant is designated as "mameo-femeo" ; the
cultivated form of the same as " mameo-meleo ;" the hermaphrodite plant
" meneco-macho." — (Rusby.)

278

Story of the Pap aw.

Am. Jour. Pharm
June, 1901.

papaw is soft, white and spongy ; cuts easier than a potato; is full
of water, decays rapidly, and is not useful for any purpose. The
trunk is covered with a gray (green at the top) smooth, tough bark

I. — Carica Papaya, branch of Male or Hanging Papaw.

II. — Staminate flower.

III. — Male flower.

laid on in folds, which at intervals form rings.

A large turnip-shaped tap-root reaches down to seek nourishment

Am. Jour. Pharm.
June, 1901.

Story of the Pap aw.

279

and to give stability to the tree. These roots are similar in struc-
ture to the trunk, except for a white bark, and possess an odor of
cabbage and a peculiar taste suggesting radishes. The leaf stems
are large and hollow, cylindrical toward the leaf and flattened at the
point where they join with the stalk. The leaves are large palm-
lobed, with somewhat deep indentations, dark green on the upper
and light green on the under side. They are short-lived and, as the
tree shoots upward, they drop off, leaving scarry marks in the bark
of the tree trunk.

The locality where grown, as well as the effects of cultivation,
modify the character of this plant, hence we find on record varying

descriptions and statements. Among the notable varieties of the
Carica Papaya are the green and violet. The latter species which
has had considerable attention paid to it, is the one most highly
esteemed for cultivation, but does not attain great height. The stalk
and limb portion of the leaves are violet color. The fruit is large,
often weighing as high as twenty pounds, and when ripe is very
sweet. While young the trees are kept shady, and pruned to pre-
vent their growing tall. To encourage fruit, portions of the flowers
are picked off ; the smaller fruits are removed when green, so that
the remainder will grow larger and stronger. By cultivation a
dwarfed variety (" lechoso enana ") is produced. The green Carica
grows to greater height than the purple; its fruits are smaller and
possess a less agreeable flavor.

The three forms of flower present in the papaw are, according to

IV.— Pistillate flower.
V. — Young fruit.
VI. — Seed seen in section.

28o

Story of the Papaw.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
June. 1901.

the native description, classified as varieties. The so-called female
trees bear only fruiting flowers and produce the largest fruit' and the
greatest numbers. These flowers are single, with a yellow (or
purple) corolla with five sessile petals, growing in considerable
numbers at the apex of the stalk, which rapidly pushes upward
and puts out new leaf stems. The fruit development is so rapid that
buds, flowers, green and ripe fruit are often seen at the same time.
The male flowers are borne on hanging stems, ranging from 6 inches
to I foot or more in length (hence the " hanging papaw "), and may
be white, bright yellow, sometimes tinged with purple, often devel-
oping considerable fragrance. The hanging stems in older trees
bear fruiting flowers and present a somewhat curious sight. The
fruit of the hanging papaw is not large, but is very sweet. The
fruits vary considerably in form as well as in size. They are orange
shaped, squash-like or quite resembling the cocoa pod ; again, they
resemble muskmelons, and in the highly cultivated variety water-
melon shapes are seen. The fruits are green (or purplish cast) turn-
ing yellow when ripe.

The skin of the melon is smooth and thin. Before ripening the
greater bulk of the latex lies just under this skin. The flesh of the
green fruit is white, tough and watery. As the fruit ripens it turns
to a muskmelon yellow, with a thickness of about I y2 inches, end-
ing in a central cavity which is filled with seeds attached to and
held together with a delicate membrane, which constitutes the inner
skin of the fruit.

The seeds when fresh are dark brown, changing to black on dry-
ing. Before desiccation their outer membranous coating is trans-
parent and slippery ; the inner coating is hard, horny and wrinkled,
and between these two coatings lies a mucilaginous substance con-
taining myrosin. Within the inner shell lies the leaf-like cotyle-
dons, veined at the base with an albuminous homotropal embryo
with a roundish radicle easily distinguished when slightly magnified.

The seeds when dried resemble pepper. They are aromatic,
pungent, piquant but not as sharp as mustard, their taste slightly
suggesting water-cress.

CULTIVATION AND GROWTH.

It is quite common for numerous papaw plants to spring up from
seeds scattered by the birds over a portion of land which, accord-

Am. Jour. Pharm.
June, 1901.

Story of the Papaw.

281

ing to tropical custom, has been cleared by burning away the trees
and undergrowth. There are no forests of papaws because the
plants need sun and room. They are seldom seen among dense
growths. They do not progagate in clusters. For the most part
they are the product of cultivation, and near every hut are carefully
guarded groups from two to six in number.5

They present a striking appearance with their straight slim,
shiny stalk; their bright green umbrella tops towering above a

Hanging Papaw.

wilderness of flower-sprinkled verdure. Most beautiful specimens
are seen in such a place, their base covered with a tangled under-
growth of trailing, climbing vines. Their roots are kept moist by
fallen leaves ; and enriched by nuts and fruits that fall and rot
among the masses of forage and litter so abundant in tropical
gardens.

5 This has particular reference to the habits of the Carica Papaya. Certain
varieties such as the Carica quercifolia, C. microcarpa, etc., are sometimes
found in the dense forests.

282

Story of the Papaw,

Am. Jour. Pharu .
June, 3901.

The only cultivation they can possibly receive must come from
a little house waste promiscuously thrown from the hut, the brows-
ing of the ever present dogs, asses and goats. But under these
conditions fruiting is generally abundant. They exhibit somewhat
the characteristics of the melon tribe. The young plants are
exceedingly sensitive and tender ; under slight adverse conditions
they succumb and die.6

A place where it never rains but always pours seems best suited
to the papaw. My records show the most thrifty trees in spots
where it rains nearly every day in the year ; pouring, soaking rains
with a fierce, bright sun shining all through the downpour. After
the rain come the insects, lizards, centipedes and other creeping
things that delve among the roots and climb up the stalk of the papaw
and do the real cultivation. The plant will not flourish in swampy
nor sandy soil, and seems to be at its best in the rich humus of the
hillside.7

It grows at the edge of the sea with the waves washing the roots,
luxuriates in the high mountain plateaus in all of the windward and
leeward islands ; it flourishes but does not attain to any great

6 Professor Rusby (" Carica Papaya," Druggists' Bulletin) has stated that
this tree " can be propagated and grown with great readiness ; that its vitality •
is so great that it is with difficulty destroyed until its natural course has been
run." Six years' observation has convinced me that it is exceedingly difficult
of cultivation, and that the cultivated trees are most easily destroyed by
adverse conditions.

7 The following is an incomplete analysis of a plot in Jamaica on which
were several fine specimens of the papaw :

Water (in air-dry sample) 5"o2

Volatile matter 20*12

Silica 32"72

Lime (as oxide) 10*62

Magnesia (oxide) i*oo

Potash (oxide) "52

Sodium, trace

Magnesia, trace

Aluminum (and iron) 8'64

Carbonates (CO)2 5'8i

Phosphoric acid ... 10*20

Sulphates, trace

8 In Ver ezuela thrifty spec:mens are cultivated in the sandy soil of the
ravines. There is here, however, a rainfall averaging one metre per annum
and the climate is very equable.

AmjJu°ne?iSrm"} story °f the Papaw. 283

height, on the bare coral rocks of Yucatan. In parts of Peru it
grows prolificacy without much cultivation or care, and it is reported
that in the Transandine regions it reaches a height of over one hun-
dred feet.

In some localities the plant begins to grow fruit in seven months;
in others, eighteen to twenty months from the seed. Usually its
life is rather short, two to three years being the maximum fruit-
bearing period. (A rare specimen was observed which was eighteen
years old, and was bearing one to two fruits each year.) The fruit-
ing of the papaw is abundant. From two to three hundred have
been gathered in a season from a wild tree, in size varying from an
inch in diameter to that of a baseball. The cultivated plants yield
from twelve to sixty fruits, weighing from five to twenty pounds
each.9

It is reported that in Brazil, in the French Colonies, in Algiers,
and in the Island of Reunion, successful and extensive cultivations
have been carried on. In the island of Montserrat a large acreage
under cultivation was some three years ago destroyed by a tornado.
In the island of Jamaica, under government patronage and the im-
mediate direction of William Fawcett, director of the botanical gar-
dens, several attempts at the cultivation of this plant were under-
taken on a large scale, but the results were not encouraging. Plots
consisting of five acres in the first instance and ten acres in the
second were prepared by clearing, seeds were carefully selected, one
portion of the seed being sown directly in the ground, other portions
sown in bamboo pots, and the young plants transplanted. In the
first instance, a rather fair proportion of the trees came to maturity
and began fruiting, but at this stage disease set in, insects attacked
the plants and the whole field was exterminated. The wild plants
do not seem to be attacked by disease except after injury, but the

9 The best method of planting papaws is to raise the young plants in beds and
as soon as they are three inches high transplant them into bamboo joints, in
which they can be kept until they are 9 inches high, when they can be trans-
planted to the open ground. In dry districts they will require abundant water-
ing, irrigation twice or thrice a week being absolutely necessary. In wet
places they can be grown with little or no water. Papaws require good, rich,
deep soil and good cultivation ; even then, many of the plants, just as they
should commence to bear, suddenly fail, the plants cease to grow, the young
leaves turn yellow and fall off. — (Wm. Fawcett, Bulletin Botanical Department,
Jamaica.)

284

Story of the Pap aw.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
June, 1901.

cultivated plants seem very susceptible to every sort of malady.
Insects attack the tender leaves of the young plants and they wither.
Fungi and bacteria find here a suitable soil.

After fruiting, and especially if the fruits are bled, the tree will
take on a general debility and become the prey of every adverse
circumstance. One large field was entirely eradicated by a disease
or diseases which the natives attributed to attacks of the " mackacka
worm."10 In my opinion, the trouble arose from the inherent weak-
ness of the cultivated plant in its altered environment, which ren-
dered it susceptible to attacks of beetles and insects of various kinds.

In another series of plantings conducted with still more careful
preparation of the ground and selection of seeds, coupled with care
for the young plants, there was a record of a small proportion of
plants coming to maturity, and of these only a meagre part bore
fruit. None of the plants or their fruits were as large as those of
the parent stock. All of these efforts were accompanied by phases
which were puzzling and embarrassing.

The variations in plant life which one sees and hears of in these
regions are somewhat interesting. It is stated that the shaddock
contains thirty-two seeds, only two of which will produce shad-
docks ; the remaining thirty will yield sweet oranges, bitter oranges,
forbidden fruit, good oranges and bad oranges, and until the trees
are in full bearing no one can guess what the harvest will be. The
seeds of the mango selected from the finest fruit and cultivated
with care, will rarely produce anything approaching the parent
stock. In fact, no two trees of the mango seem to resemble each
other. The papaw is likewise very prone to variation. Seeds
selected with extreme care from flourishing trees, the fruit of which
would weigh fifteen pounds, upon being planted would in part
follow the parent stock ; other portions would revert to the wild
prototype and yield fruit the size of a hen's egg.

In some of the fruits of the papaw the seeds number five, in
others prodigal nature supplies over five hundred, apparently only
a few of these seeds are fertile. When a native desires a single

10 The term "mackacka worm" in the tropics is applied to the larvae of
various beetles which feed upon plants that are undergoing decay. I suppose
that plants already diseased were the only ones affected, and that the ravages
of these larvae hastened decay. At the present writing these larvae are reported
as doing great injury to the logwood trees.

AmjJUne'i£5.arm-} Use of Wood Alcohol Pharmaceutically. 285

tree, he buries two or three such fruits in the ground, and at most
two or three plants are the result. After continued experiment it
was found that seeds taken from the central portion of the largest
and finest fruits were the most likely to be fertile, and would give
more encouraging results. The proper adjustment of the sexes in
tropical soil is difficult and exasperatng.

The papaw is much like the nutmeg in its vagaries of sex rela-
tion. It is generally agreed that for fertilization one male to ten
female plants is the proper ratio, but until the trees arrive at the
blossoming stage (five years in the case of the nutmeg) the male
cannot be distinguished from the female. One can imagine the
dismay of the cultivator who finds at the end of all his toil and
waiting that he has a plantation of male non-fruit-bearing instead
of the coveted female, or fruit-bearing plants. I have records of
numerous instances where acres of ground were planted with thou-
sands of papaw plants in which the males were in the majority of
over fifteen to one.

This constantly recurring disproportion of the sexes, suggests
that in cultivation we were so changing environment as to cause a
perversion of the sexes, resulting in a race of non-fruit bearers.

Methods of artificial fertilization and budding, such as is followed
in the propagation of melons and oranges, are now in the experi-
mental stage.

( To be continued. )

A FEW NOTES ON THE USE OF WOOD ALCOHOL
PHARMACEUTICALLY.

By Frederick T. Gordon, Pharmacist U. S. N.

The point has been raised that one of the objectionable features
in the use of wood alcohol pharmaceutically is its strong and pecul-
iar odor, an odor that is unpleasant to many persons and which at
once makes the substitution of this for grain alcohol apparent. That
this is a drawback is undeniable; therefore the question has been
asked if there is anything that can counteract or improve this odor.
This is perfectly legitimate to answer, for there are many prepara-
tions in which purified wood alcohol can be used, e. g. liniments,
lotions, toilet preparations, etc., without impropriety, provided that
the use thereof is made known to those whom it will most concern,

286 Use of Wood Alcohol Pharmaceutical^. { *m-j™£;^lnu-

the druggists, and a reasonable reduction in price is made. Any
effort to prepare a wood alcohol that can be used surreptitiously in
place of grain alcohol should be sternly frowned down ; if it is to be
used — and I hope to see it in its proper place among pharmaceutical
solvents — this use must be open and above board, sanctioned by the
weight of authority unimpeachable.

As far as I have been able to learn from study of the literature on
the subject as found in our drug journals, there is but one way to
get rid of the peculiar odor of wood alcohol and that is to eliminate
the impurities that give it this odor. The addition of many essential
oils and substances possessing a powerful odor will, to some extent,
mask the odor of wood alcohol, but they will not mask it so that the
trained nose cannot detect it, and, from some experiments I have
made, I would say in addition that it is a waste of these oils even to
try to hide that peculiar "methylated " odor; it will come out. The
odor of wood alcohol is not due to the methyl alcohol it contains,
but is due to its impurities — acetone, furfurol, methyl acetate, allyl
and amyl alcohols, aldehyde, etc. — and when these are thoroughly
removed we get a spirit that can scarce be distinguished from a pure
grain spirit, one admirably adapted for use in making the cheaper
perfumes. The process of removal is mainly chemical treatment
and fractional distillation ; it is profitable only on a large scale.
Such a " pure " wood alcohol, or, as it is then better named, pure
methyl alcohol, can now be easily obtained.

In making a number of solid extracts of some of the narcotic
drugs with methyl alcohol, in which the menstruum was strong in
alcohol, I made the observation that such solid extracts seemed to
be more brittle and easier to powder than when made with grain
alcohol, and it also seemed to me that these extracts were freer from
inert extractive than the latter. This is a point that invites further
investigation, especially so as it has been proven that methyl alcohol
will extract the active principle of these drugs equally as well as does
grain alcohol. In my work, such extracts assayed well up in alka-
loidal strength, and proved easier of assay, too, from being freer
from extractive matter.

Wood alcohol has been suggested for making tincture of iodine —
this should be positively prohibited, as such a tincture is violently
irritating, decidedly caustic in effect and will blister or cause an
eruption on tender skins. When used around the face or neck, its

Amju°nUer;S?rnJ'} Use of Wood Alcohol Pharmaceutically. 287

vapor causes great irritation of the eyes and nose — almost unbear-
able, and also makes the exposed skin smart and tingle. Even
pure methyl alcohol tincture will cause irritation of the nose if its
vapor is inhaled, an irritation quite different from that of iodine.
During the winter I made a number of experiments on wood alcohol
tincture iodine, having a number of cases under my observation
where the chest was painted with iodine for simple cough and cold,
painting one side of the chest with wood alcohol tincture, the other
with grain alcohol tincture. In every case the difference was
marked, the wood alcohol side appeared much redder the second
day, there was sometimes faint blistering, and the patients declared
that this side " burnt" them the most. In applying this there was
often caused very unpleasant symptoms from the irritating effect of
the vapor on the eyes and nose, one case of mild conjuctivitis being
noted. In a severe case a blistering effect was wanted ; this was
obtained easily by painting the wood alcohol tincture on thickly
and covering it with a piece of oiled muslin. The burning pain
became so great in ten or fifteen minutes that the muslin had to be
taken off and vaseline applied. From this experience I would say
that the wood alcohol tincture of iodine is only fitted for veterinary
practice, or for cases in which strong irritating effects are called for,
and I might add that in general the effects of this tincture were
distinctively less satisfactory in my cases than the U.S. P. tincture.

Noting that the peculiar irritating effects seemed to come from
the vapor of the wood alcohol tincture, I sought the reason for this,
and I think it lies in the formaldehyde and formic acid formed in
this tincture by the action of iodine on wood alcohol, or some of its
impurities ; for the tincture made with pure methyl alcohol yielded
much less pronounced results. One hundred c.c. of tincture were
made, U.S.P. strength, and allowed to stand ten days, to get as
much action by the iodine as possible; this was then distilled in
fractions of 10 c.c. and each of these examined. The distillation
began at 66° C, running up to 68° for the last four fractions. The
first lraction was of a light straw color, contained a trace of iodine,
reduced silver solutions at once and gave marked reactions for
formaldehyde and formic acid. To make sure of the former, a
number of tests were applied to the distillate — all gave very positive
reactions. I did not then estimate the amount of formaldehyde
formed from given quantities of each of the substances, but this I

288 Use of Wood Alcohol Pharmacentically. {Amj£e,ri9oih.arm'

hope to do soon, as I have a tincture I am keeping for several
months, distilling off fractions monthly. The first four of the frac-
tions contained practically all of the formaldehyde and formic acid ;
the amount of iodine in each increased progressively, the last two
fractions being very dark in color, the tenth fraction not being dis-
tilled over.

A curious behavior of the first two fractions seems worthy of
mention. As I remarked, these were light straw color No. I, and
pale yellow, No. 2; when exposed to the direct rays of the sun in
tightly corked vials they became colorless in an hour or so ; left
standing uncorked over night, the color returned. This experiment
was repeated several times, the color gradually fading until now, a
couple of months later, the two samples are water- white and do not
react for free iodine. Both still give the formaldehyde reaction
p ainly.

Another point. Although there is a small difference in the spe-
cific gravities of wood and grain alcohol, the two tinctures I made
had practically the same specific gravity, the difference in the appear-
ance of the two tinctures would lead one to think that there is at
least ten or fifteen points between them. The wood alcohol tinc-
ture seemed very thin — " watery " is a term that somewhat describes
it — and has very little " body," it is more limpid and spreads on the
skin with great rapidity. Its color, too, is different ; it has more of
a greenish-yellow tint in thin layers than the mahogany brown of
the grain alcohol tincture, and is more transparent. One who has
seen both tinctures could readily detect the wood alcohol tincture
by its general appearance alone. However, if a pure methyl
alcohol is used, there is very little difference between it and the
U.S.P. tincture in general appearance ; neither is it much more irri-
tating, either to the skin or in its vapor. No doubt the great differ-
ence is due to the many impurities mentioned as being present in
wood alcohol. Referring back to specific gravities, the specific
gravity of my wood alcohol tincture iodine was 0-877 to 0-875 for
grain alcohol tincture.

Pure methyl alcohol seems to be well adapted for the making of
resins from crude drugs ; its lesser cost would be a great advantage
to the pharmacist if its use were made permissible. I made a few
experiments in this line with podophyllin and jalap, and would
report that I got results every bit as good in yield, appearance

Amjine!']9Pofrm-} Methyl Alcohol. 289

and activity from methyl alcohol as I did with grain alcohol in a
series of parallel exhaustions ; indeed, the resins so obtained could
not be told from one another. In fact, I think the question of per-
mitting the use of £ure methyl alcohol for such operations, the
making of solid extracts and similar preparations in which the sol-
vent is completely removed from the finished article, to be well
worthy of thought and study by our Pharmacopceial Revision Com-
mittee, for such use would greatly cheapen the cost of many drugs
without impairing their efficiency at all.

METHYL ALCOHOL IN PHARMACEUTICAL
PREPARATIONS.

By E. Fui^erton Cook.

The question recently raised concerning the justifiable use of
methyl alcohol in preparations for internal or external use
has been prominently brought before the manufacturer and phar-
macist and it is desirable that some conclusion be reached.

At the request of Professor Kraemer some of the more recently
published journals, those of I90i,have been reviewed for reports in
favor or disfavor of its use, and abstracts are submitted from those
which add to the literature on the subject.

The communication from Mr. Frederick T. Gordon, published in
the American Druggist, of February 25, 1901, is prominent among
those in favor.

In almost none of the unfavorable criticisms does there seem to
be a discrimination in the use of the terms " wood alcohol " ai d
"purified methyl alcohol," and this is unfortunate, as Mr. Gordon
has said, since the commercial wood alcohol cannot, at any time, be
considered a rival of ethyl alcohol in preparing pharmaceutical
preparations.

We must, however, accept all evidence obtainable, and carefully
determine its value, and with that end in view the following are
presented :

Dr. A. G. Thompson (Pharmaceutical Review, Feb., 1901, 51),
as early as 1897, reports an instance which came under his observa
tion, of complete blindness caused by the drinking of an essence
of ginger.

290

Methyl Alcohol.

/Am. Jour. Pharru
<. June, 1901.

During 1898-1899, Kuhnt, MacCoy and Michael, Moulton, Hol-
den, Gifford, Patillo, Callan and others report cases of blindness from
the drinking of " methyl alcohol."

In February, 1899, Hiram Wood reports in the Ophthalmic
Record, six cases of total blindness caused by the substitution of an
essence of ginger for other alcoholic drinks.

As long ago as June, 1877, Viger published an account of a
similar case in V Annee Medicate.

The symptoms of a typical case are as follows : about an hour after
drinking severe headache, vomiting, excessive sweating, dilation of
pupils and delirium.

In twenty-four hours the delirium and other symptoms have dis-
appeared but total blindness remains.

The sight gradually improves during the next two months, but
eventually permanent loss of sight results.

A large dose of wood alcohol taken upon an empty stomach has
been known to cause death after several hours, while complete re-
covery has been reported when but a small dose was taken.

On March 6th, at Crisfield, Maryland, a man, after drinking a
large quantity of an essence of ginger, was taken violently ill and,
though given careful treatment in a Baltimore hospital, subsequently
became entirely blind.

On April 1 9, 1900, a man at Circleville, West Virginia, drank some
essence of peppermint and essence of lemon in lieu of whiskey or
brandy. Although experiencing almost total blindness during the
next few days, his sight gradually grew better.

On September 6th, at Fawn Grove, York County, Pa., the drink-
ing of some essence of ginger resulted in the death of two men and
total blindness of another.

The essences causing the trouble in these last mentioned places,
Crisfield, Md., Circleville, W. Va., and Fawn Grove, Pa., were all
manufactured by one firm and, samples having been obtained, they
were subjected to analysis, the results being published by H. P.
Hynson and H. A. Brown Dunning in the Pharmaceutical Review of
February, 1901, p. 54.

They obtained a distillate of the samples and made comparative
tests with a mixture containing 75 per cent. Columbian spirits and
25 per cent, ethylic alcohol, which led them to conclude, that the
distillate was a similar mixture.

Am. Jour. Pharni.
June, 1901.

Methyl Alcohol

291

In the communication above mentioned they say: "We believe
that the results secured are such as to convince almost any one that
wood alcohol is present in large quantities in the essence of ginger
examined. It must also be concluded, since the tincture of ginger
made with ethylic alcohol has never produced the toxic and sight-
destroying effects described by Dr. Harlan, that methylic alcohol is
entirely unfit for internal administration."

In the Built tin of 1 harmacy, of March, 1901, page 96, an instance
is reported of a party of four men having indulged in the drinking
of some essence of ginger that resulted in the death of two, and only
the most active efforts on the part of the physicians saved the other
lives.

The Druggists' Circular, of March, 1901, reported another case in
which a sailor, during " shore leave," drank a quantity of essence of
ginger. He experienced the symptoms before mentioned, followed
by permanent blindness.

The instance cited by Drs. MacCoy and Michael, several years
ago, was that of a young man who, while convalescing from
measles, succeeded in obtaining two ounces of methyl alcohol, " the
article being a highly purified one." Two hours afterwards he
took a similar quantity and as a result experienced the usual,
immediate symptoms and eventually almost total blindness.

In the same article, in commenting upon these cases they say,
" There can be no reasonable doubt that all the people mentioned
above were simply poisoned by wood alcohol ; as in addition to the
finding of that substance in the ginger preparations, it is shown
that the same result followed the use of a peppermint essence in
which it was also detected." * * * Whether the wood alcohol
used in making the preparations which have brought about such
dire results was " crude " or " purified" is apparently unknown. It
is reasonable to infer, however, that anyone employing it for such
purposes would choose the latter on account of its comparative
freedom from disagreeable odor. * * * The foregoing should
sufficiently dispose of all theorizing as to the possible harmlessness
of a purified wood alcohol. Even if it were known that it could be
so purified as to render it no more harmful than grain alcohol, one
would have to remember that there would always be uncertainty
as to its purification having been fully accomplished. With
ordinary alcohol we have no parallel risk."

292

Methyl Alcohol.

Am. Jour. Pliarm
June, 1901.

In answering a query in the Pharmaceutical Era, April 11, 1901,
page 393, " May wood alcohol be used as a preservative for witch
hazel?" they say that the manufacturers of Columbian spirits
state in their advertisements that it cannot be used internally.

In connection with this, the attention of all who may be inter-
ested in this subject should be called to an article published by
Ferdinand A. Sieker on " The detection of methyl alcohol in
pharmaceutical preparations," appearing in the Pharmaceutical
Review of March, 1901, and other journals.

It is interesting to note that, according to Mr. J. Wolff, in a
paper reported at a recent meeting of the Paris Academie, distinct
traces of methyl alcohol are found in the fermented juices of many
fruits, amounting to as much in some instances as two (2) volumes
for every one hundred (100) of ethylic alcohol formed and in other
fruits only 0*2 volumes tc the same quantity of ethyl alcohol. See
Compt. rend., 1900, p. 1323. Zeitschr.f. {Inters, d. Na'ir. u. Genuss.,
iqoi, p. 391.

It will be noticed that we have no reports on the use of methyl
alcohol as a menstruum in the making of such preparations as
those in which the final product contains none of the solvent,
although, as Mr. Gordon says, the various manufacturers could, no
doubt, furnish some very interesting, possibly conclusive evidence,
if they would but report their experiences ; neither do we have any
report upon its use in the making of toilet preparations, although
one man vigorously protests against the very thought of its use in
this connection. He evidently is familiar with the commercial
grade only and not the " exceptionally pure and odorless article."

Likewise there is almost no mention of its use in preparations
intended for external application.

In view of the facts above cited it is claimed that pharmacists at
present are not justified in substituting methyl alcohol for grain
alcohol when the preparation is intended for internal administration.
For heating purposes it may well take the place of the more expen-
sive liquids, also as a solvent in the preparing of solutions to be
used in the arts, as varnishes, etc., and seemingly without objection
in the making of pharmaceutical preparations in such cases where
none of the methyl alcohol remains in the finished product.

Am Tour. Phaini.
J\.ne, 190].

Investigation of Colchicum.

293

AN INVESTIGATION OF COLCHICUM.1
By Louis Schui^ze.

Query 15. — "Colchicum root arid seed both contain as their
principle colchicine an alkaloid. Why should both be official, and
which is preferable, and for what reasons ?"

If colchicum depends upon the alkaloid colchicine for its thera-
peutic value, then, it seems, only that portion of the plant contain-
ing the largest amount of this alkaloid should be official, and all
galenical preparations be made from that portion.

Colchicine differs from most alkaloids in the following particulars :

(1) It is removed from acid solutions by shaking with chloro-
form.

(2) It is quite freely soluble in water.

(3) It is precipitated by Mayer's reagent only from strongly acid
solutions.

This alkaloid is, furthermore, very easily decomposed, its aqueous
solutions rapidly losing strength, even when quite neutral. Mineral
acids, even quite dilute, decompose it on application of heat.

In assaying the root and seed for ascertaining the percentage of
colchicine three methods were pursued, namely :

First Met! wci, — 100 grammes of the powdered drug were placed in
a flask, and 100 c.c. of Prollius' mixture added. After securely cork-
ing, this was macerated, with occasional shaking, for twelve hours.
After decanting 50 c.c. of the clear fluid, it was evaporated on a
water-bath in a beaker nearly to dryness. The residue was taken
up until 10 c.c. of ether and 5 c.c. sulphuric acid (2-5 per cent.)
added and stirred until the ether was evaporated. The acid fluid
was then filtered into a separator, retaining the insoluble residue as
much as possible in the beaker. This residue was redissolved in a
little ether, and 2 c.c. of the dilute acid added, stirring as before, and
filtering the acid aqueous solution into the separator. After washing
the filter with a little of the acid, the washings were added to the
contents of the separator and 15 c.c. of chloroform shaken carefully
with it during two minutes. It was then allowed to separate and
the chloroform drawn off into a tared beaker. This treatment was
continued with two portions of fresh chloroform (10 c.c. being used

1 Eighteenth Annual Proceedings of the Maryland Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion, June, 1900, p. 119.

294 Investigation of Colchicum. {^z^I'ISl^

each time). The aqueous solution remaining after evaporating the
chloroform was tested with Mayer's reagent, one-half strength solu-
tion being used, and in case of seed, on discovering the alkaloid
had not been entirely removed, again treated with chloroform.
Finally the chloroformic solutions were evaporated to dryness, re-
dissolved in a little dilute alcohol and again dried to a constant
weight. This residue was nearly pure colchicine. As it might have
retained some chloroform, it was once more dissolved in dilute alco-
hol and dried.

Second Method. — 10 c.c. of fluid extract was diluted with 85 c.c.
of water, and solution of lead subacetate added in slight excess (i. e.,
until the fluid had a distinctly sweetish taste). This was made up
to exactly 100 c.c. with water and filtered. After adding sodium
phosphate in powdered form, sufficient to throw down the excess of
lead, and once more filtering, 50 c.c. of the filtrate were put into a sepa-
rator and shaken out with three portions of chloroform, dried and
weighed, as in the first method.

Third Method. — After removing the lead by means of sodium
phosphate, as in the preceding method, the alkaloid was precipitated
by tannic acid, the liquid filtered off, the tannate washed and
digested with lead oxide, this dried and the alkaloid dissolved out
by means of alcohol, filtered. The filtrate again dried and weighed.

The result in each instance was as follows :

Seed. Root.
Per Cent. Per Cent.

First method 0-9 o'6

Second method o*6 0*4

Third method 0-4 0*4

Making for the seed an average of between 0-6 per cent, and 07
per cent.; for the root between 0-4 per cent, and 0-5 per cent.
Therefore, it appears the seed are slightly richer in colchicine than
the root, and should there be no other valid reason why the root
should be retained in the Pharmacopoeia, they would be sufficient
whenever the effects of this drug are desired.

Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Association.— The twenty -fourth annual
meeting will be held at Hotel Oneonta, Harvey's Lake (near Wilkes-Barre ) ,
Pa., on June 18-20, 1901. Address the Secretary, J. A. Miller, Harrisburg, for
orders for railroad excursion tickets.

Am jL°ner;i9oif rm' } Correspondence. 29 5

CORRESPONDENCE.1

PROCTER MEMORIAL.

In response to a letter from the Editor of this Journal concerning
the feasibility of establishing a Research Laboratory as a memorial
to the life and work of Prof. William Procter, Jr., by the American
Pharmaceutical Association at its semi-centennial in 1902, the follow-
ing are some of the replies which have been received :

Dear Sir: — That a monument to the memory of Prof. Wm.
Procter will be erected is now a practically established fact, judging
from the letters that have appeared in the recent numbers of the
American Journal of Pharmacy, and the question remaining is to
determine what form this memorial shall take.

The statue, the medal, the scholarship, the research laboratory,
each has its advantages and its disadvantages. Of the four, it
seems to me that the statue is the least desirable. In perpetuating
the memory of such a man as Procter we want a living monument,
SDmething that will be ever before the minds of the pharmacists of
to-day and of the future, something to stimulate us to do better
work. If a statue be erected and placed in Washington, but a
small percentage of pharmacists will ever hear of it again after its
unveiling. Those who visit Washington may see it, but in that
city of sights not more than one in a thousand would be sufficiently
impressed to make him return home resolved to do more for the
advancement of pharmacy.

The medal, granted once in three or five years so that it will not
become too common, would undoubtedly stimulate quite a number,
but it seems to me even then there would be a decided restriction
in the amount of good accomplished.

The scholarship granted every year would help a larger number
of men ; but probably most of them to whom it would be given
would be recent graduates, frequently young men not fully matured
and consequently not equipped to produce the best results.

The research laboratory, if it can be properly equipped, manned
and maintained (giving due weight to that "if"), would be the ideal
memorial. It would be as lasting as the statue and far more impres-
sive. The results of the labor done there would not appear only once
in three or five years,' but every year and several times a year, and it

1 For other information and correspondence on this subject, see editorials,
November, 1900, and February, March, April and May issues of this Journal.

296

Correspondence.

( Am. Jour. Pkarru.
X June, 1901.

would not be the work of more or less immature men, but that of
men who have already learned to work to the best advantage. Dr.
Lyons' suggestions seem particularly good. If we could bring about
such a condition of things, so that by law, or better, by public opin-
ion, all medicinal substances to be deemed worthy ot recognition
by physicians must come up to the standard set by the laboratory,
we would have done much for pharmacy. Make the stamp of the
laboratory of sufficient value, so that manufacturers will be glad to
have it on their goods, and those who are now putting out inferior
artxles, not bearing the stamp of the laboratory, would be stigma-
tized or driven from competition. This would, of course, be only a
part of the work of the laboratory. Original investigations along
practical lines should receive equal attention.

Nashville, Tenn. Edsel A. Ruddiman.

Dear Sir : — Replying to your recent favor ; there is no ques-
tion but what a pharmaceutical research laboratory under proper
control and direction, whose work should be restricted to supplying
data for the Committee of Revision of the Pharmacopoeia and for
working out improved formulas and methods of manipulation for
semi-official products such as are included in the National
Formulary, might be of great value to the profession of pharmacy
and add very largely to the reputation of American Pharmacy as
compared with its past record.

To be of value a strong committee should be selected, consisting
of chairman and able members of the Committee of Revision of
the Pharmacopoeia, the President, Permanent Secretary, Chairman of
the scientific section and of the dispensing section of the American
Pharmaceutical Association, and all work done should first have the
sanction of this body.

It would seem that the establishment of such a laboratory in
connection with some government institution at Washington, as the
laboratory of the Department of Agriculture, would be more eco-
nomical and advantageous than to equip and conduct an entirely
independent institution. If all the expenses were borne, it might
be feasible to make some such arrangement and it might not.

Boston, Mass. E. L. Patch.

Dear Sir: — Replying to your request for further comments on
the proposed Procter Memorial, I will say that a careful reading of

AmjinUe?i9oiarm'} Correspondence. 297

the suggestions made in the February, March and April editions of
the Journal leaves me still of my original opinion — that the best
memorial that can be devised will be a research laboratory in the
city of Washington. Of course such would be a large undertaking,
but by no means as expensive as some predict. The $200,000
plant suggested by one of your contributors would be magnificent,
but its magnificence would be chiefly in the direction of extrava-
gance. Twenty to thirty thousand dollars would suffice, and be-
yond that sum expenditure is hardly necessary. A stately palace
of marble with superb equipment would be expensive, I grant ; but
do we plain pharmacists need such a structure ? Would the plain
Quaker whom we wish to honor desire such a monument ? No!
Let us aim at something simple; let our motto be " Deeds rather
than dazzle;" let the Procter Memorial Laboratory become known
by the achievements of its workers rather than by the gorgeousness
of its facade. President Garfield's famous saying relating to the
teaching capacity of Mark Hopkins, his statement that a log cabin
and a bench with his revered teacher at one end and the student at
the other, was preferable to a college with magnificent equipment
and poor teachers, is justly applicable in the present case.

Surely, it were an infinitely better monument to Procter to have
a modest building and equipment with zealous workers, than a
massive pile with nothing done.

Let a similar case be cited : The Lloyd Library is, or should be,
the pride of American pharmacy. Its complete equipment is a
positive joy to all engaged in research work, and its fame has gone
forth to the furthermost parts of the pharmaceutical world. What
matters it that it is housed in a modest building, with naught but a
little tablet announcing its purpose. Its fame comes from its use-
fulness, not from its personal appearance.

Therefore my idea is that a research laboratory should be started,
even though only $15,000 were raised. Let a modest house be
purchased in Washington, and equipped for pharmacopceial re-
search work. If the work emanating from the institution is valu.
able, it will surely grow to greater things, and (as a judicious
investment in Washington realty rarely depreciates) as further
funds are forthcoming, the first modest home might be sold and a
more pretentious plant erected. For, let it be said in passing, the
writer does not urge a cheap monument to the " Father of Ameri-

298 Correspondence. {Amju°nUe?i9oiarm'

can Pharmacy," he merely deprecates efforts to discourage modest
beginnings.

Cleveland, O. H. V. Arny.

Dear Sir: — lam heartily in sympathy with the movement to
establish a suitable memorial to Professor Procter. After reading
the various ideas expressed in the A.J.Ph., I have slightly modified
the opinion which I had first formed.

If it were possible to raise sufficient funds for the proper equip-
ment and maintenance of a research laboratory my ideal would be
accomplished. As I doubt very much that this can be carried into
effect my second choice would be a fellowship. In case this would
not be feasible then a Procter medal to be bestowed only once in
two or three years for continuous, exceptionally meritorious work
along pharmaceutical lines is the least, in my judgment, that should
be decided upon.

Ann Arbor, Mich. J. O. Schlotterbeck.

Dear Sir : — In reply to yours of the 4th inst., I desire to say that
I am in entire accord with the research laboratory idea, providing
the project can be carried out in an adequate and generous way.
This it seemed to me at first not easily possible, but if the indica-
tions now point to a greater probability of accomplishment, the
movement would have my fullest support. There ought to be a
liberal endowment for maintenance or some other arrangement
that would from the beginning remove the need of that practice of
economy that is never fruitful.

I will be glad to do what I can to help the matter along.

Minneapolis, Minn. Frederick J. Wulling.

Dear Sir : — Your favor of the 4th inst. to hand and noted. I
am decidedly in favor of establishing a research laboratory as a
memorial to Professor Procter, and think it decidedly the most
suitable and desirable memorial we could erect to him. But I fear
it will be too great an undertaking, and that the maintenance of it
will be more than the A. Ph. A. can finance. The first expense will
perhaps be too large for practical purposes even, for I cannot see
where the funds will come from. The fixed charges after it is
erected then will be in excess of what it can earn in my judgment,
and we cannot depend or look with any assurance upon govern-
mental support or maintenance. If it is located in New York City,

Am'junUej90LrD''} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 299

it may earn more from the many importers, who may avail of its facili-
ties, than it would if located at Washington, but in any event I fear it
cannot be successfully carried out by the A. Ph. A. The erection of the
Hoffmann Haus in Berlin required great and long-continued efforts
on the part of the chemists and chemical industries of the world,
and we cannot hope to enlist the interest of nearly so many people,
nor nearly so many large and wealthy industries. While hence I
would prefer to see a research laboratory be the memorial for
Professor Procter, I think the most that the A.Ph.A. can hope to
successfully carry out is a gold memorial medal to be awarded
annually to the pharmaceutical chemist or botanist that has in the
judgment of a suitable committee advanced the science the most
during the year.

Baltimore, Md. A. R. L. Dohme.

RECENT LITERATURE RELATING TO PHARMACY.

THE DISTILLATION PRODUCTS OF CASTOR OIL.

It has been often noticed that toward the end of the distillation
of castor oil, the residue in the retort very suddenly and with de-
velopment of considerable gas is converted into a sticky rubber-like
mass. H. Thorns and G. Fendler [Arch, Ph., 1901, 1) report exam-
ination of the residue, which they find consists largely of the glycer-
ide of a dibasic fatty acid, triundecylenic acid (CnH20O2)3.

From this glycerine the anhydride of the acid was isolated in the
form of a bright yellow, somewhat elastic mass, having the formula
C33H5805 which corresponds to the composition (CuH20O2) 3-H20).
The residue on heating with potassa yielded a new acid of the oleic
acid series, a body melting at 360 and of formula C16H30O2.

H. V. Arny.

CONCERNING OIL GLANDS.

An important contribution to the study of plant processes is an
article with above title by A. Tschirch and O. Tunman (Arch. Ph.,
1901, 7.)

The special subject investigated was the method of secretion of
resins, or of oils, or of gums in the various glands or secretion cells,
the work being performed by aid of microscope and appropriate
stains. Among the latter the Unverdorben-Franchimont reagent,

300 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. {Am'jJUnUe^i9oiarm'

(copper acetate I part, water 20 parts) is given the preference,
it staining resins from blue to emerald green, according to botani-
cal origin. Passing over the individual peculiarities of each resin
and oil-bearing plant examined, we find the following important
conclusions :

First : In no case were volatile oils and resins found in the secre-
tion cells, bordering the intercellular spaces of the stems, the con-
tents of such cells being either of fat or of tannin. Ethereal oil is
invariably found in subcuticular spaces (hence in glands), where it
evidently originates, being decomposition product of the cell wall
rather than of the cell contents.

Second : Wherever resin is found, mucilage accompanies it ; the
walls of resin glands invariably having a mucilaginous layer in
which, according to the writer, the resin is manufactured ; in other
words, the layer which Tschirch calls " resinogenous " (resinogene
schicht) is invariably mucilaginous.

Third : As yet the exact chemical processes involved in the
origin of resins and oils is unknown.

Fourth : It is observed that while tannin accompanies the resins
in most glands, it is found more abundant in old glands than in
young ones. This fact could be construed either as favoring or dis-
proving the theory that tannin is an intermediate stage in the for-
mation of resins. The writers lean toward the affirmative opinion,
explaining the deficiency of tannin in the young cells by saying
that it is all used up in the process of transformation into resin and
that when the glands become older and the resin formation ceases,
the unused tannin is stored up without change. H. V. A.

CONCERNING CATHA EDULIS,

This plant, a native of Abyssinia and Arabia, where it is called
Kat and where its leaves have been used from the earliest times by
the natives of that region as an innocent stimulant, such as our
coffee and tea, is the subject of a lengthy paper by A. Beiter (Arch.
Ph., 1901, 17.) Passing over his pharmacognostical description we
find that he obtained from the plant an alkaloid by treating the
leaves with chloroform, saturated with ammonia, evaporation of
the chloroform, solution in acidulated water, extraction with
chloroform and repeated crystallization. The yield was about
of one per cent., was in the form of small needles of bitter un-

Amj^ne?i9ohiarm'} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 301

pleasant taste and with no odor. It gave reactions with the usual
alkaloidal precipitants and likewise responded to the common color
tests. It possesses alkaline reaction and assayed to the formula
C10H18N2O. From the leaves was also obtained an interesting rub-
ber-like product, melting at 120°, dissolving in carbon disulphide and
other caoutchouc solvents and also vulcanizing. It analyzed to the
formula C10H17O. There was also isolated from the leaves consider-
able tannin, seemingly representative of both the iron green and
iron blue classes. Lastly was obtained mannite and an ethereal oil
lighter than water, and smelling like tea. The ash of the leaves,
1 1 '59 Per cent, consisted of magnesium, calcium, iron, chlorine, sul-
phates and carbonates.

The seeds of the plant on extraction with petroleum ether yielded
50 per cent, of fixed oil. H. V. A.

CASCARA AND ITS ADULTERANTS.

A form of adulteration of cascara sagrada not likely to be met
with in this country is reported from France (E. Perrot, J. Ph. etCh.,
1901, 161). It is the addition of buckthorn bark, and the article
deals with the pharmacognosy of the two drugs in the form of pow-
der, the conclusions being that the chief difference between buck-
thorn and cascara sagrada is that the former never contains sclerotic
cells (a characteristic of the latter), and is always of a red-brown
color rather than a yellow-brown. H. V. A.

CHEMISTRY OF FRESH KOLA NUTS.

The reason of the superiority of the fresh kola nut over the dried
is explained as due to the fact that kola contains an oxidizing fer-
ment which utilizes the oxygen of the air in converting the kola
alkaloids as well as the coloring matter into insoluble forms. This
is in line with the recent investigation on the so-called oxydases, the
careful study of which is certain of explaining many of the causes of
deterioration now unknown. Thus, it is stated that the darkening
of all fruit on drying, and also the relative inferiority of a dried fruit
to a fresh one, is due to the presence of such oxidizing ferments,
which produce a chemical change on all fruit exposed to the
air. Fresh kola nuts contain a normal and soluble alkaloid, called
kolanine, which under the influence of the oxidizing ferment is
decomposed or rendered insoluble. Sugar, however, prevents such

302 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. {^^iSfSp*""

deterioration, hence it is highly advisable to dispense the kola in the
fresh form, either as a saccharine, fruit pulp, as a syrup, or as an
elixir. As to the so-called kola red, there is much confusion con-
cerning this product, at least three distinct bodies bearing this name,
and all of these are supposed to be pathological products produced
by the oxidizing ferment. Hence, the attempt to judge the value of
kola nuts by amount of kola red they obtain is characterized as
absurd. — (Charles, Bull, de Sc. Pharmacol., 1900,495, through Schw.
Woch. Ch. u. Ph., 1 901, 25.) H. V. A.

ACTION OF METALS ON 95 PER CENT. ALCOHOL.

95 per cent, alcohol of neutral reaction and leaving no residue on
evaporation was left in contact during six months, placed in bottles
of white glass, carefully corked with each of the following metals :
Copper, iron, tin, lead, zinc and galvanized iron. At the end of six
months the originally clear liquid was found turbid and containing
quite a residue other than the metal itself, and the alcohol from each
of the metals save copper, yielded on evaporation a decided amount
of residue. Unfortunately, the experiment was not a quantitative
one; however, it leads to the valuable conclusion that all metals
used, with the exception of copper, are partly soluble in alcohol.
( Dr. Malmejac, J. Ph. et Ch., 1 901, 169). H. V. A.

ESTIMATION OF SUGAR IN URINE.

The administration of methylene-biue obscures the Fehling's test
in the urine of the patient. In such cases the urine must first be
decolorized by aid of solution of mercuric nitrate ; subacetate or
acetate of lead not answering the purpose. — (G. Patein, J. Ph. et Ch.,
1901, 172.)

A NEW SYNTHESIS OF THE ALCOHOLS.

Treatment of an alcohol with its sodium salts yields an alcohol
having twice the number of carbon atoms. Thus inactive amylic
alcohol C.5Hr-,0 with its sodium derivative, yields an alcohol C10FL:O-
Likewise onanthic alcohol C-H130 plus its sodium salts yields Beta-
dionanthic alcohol C^H^O and the onanthate of sodium. Likewise
the dionanthic alcohol heated with the sodium derivative of onanthic
alcohol gives trionanthic alcohol C21H440. The two new bodies,
dionanthic and trionantlrc alcohol, are described in the article. —
(M. Guerbet, % Ph. et Ch., 1901, 179.) H. V. A.

Am. Jour. Pharm.-l FdifnrirtI 7m

June, 1901. I national. jUj

MANNA FROM THE OLIVE TREE.

In the gardens of Mansourah near the Iron Gate of the Danube,
there are some very ancient olive trees, the trunks of which yield
abundantly of manna, some of the exuding pieces weighing almost
a kilo. The product on examination yielded 52 per cent, of mannite,
identical with that from the manna ash. The residue consisted of
sugar, gummy matter, debris and water. — (J. A. Battandier, J. Ph. et
Ch., 1901, 177.) H. V. A.

EDITORIAL.

CHARLES RICE.

Without knowledge that Dr. Charles Rice had been ill, the phar-
maceutical world was startled by the announcement of his decease
on Monday morning, May 13th, at 10 o'clock, in his apartments
at the Bellevue Hospital, New York City. The fact was, he had
not been well all winter, and few apprehended even during his
last hours that the end was at hand. As recently as May 8th
he had sent out to the members of the Committee of Revision of
the U.S.P., several circulars bearing on the work. On Saturday
afternoon, May nth, he went out for a drive in Central Park, but
on returning was compelled to go to bed, from which he never
arose. As to what was the cause of his death, it is not entirely
apparent, it being supposed that he died of aneurism of the aortd.
On May 3d he wrote : " It looked at one time as if I had to drop all
work not absolutely incumbent upon me, but there is enough
improvement visible to justify me holding on at least for a while
longer, until it can be seen what the summer will do for me. I first
had the grippe, and this was followed by intercostal neuralgia and
indications of asthma, which, some weeks ago, became very annoy-
ing. But I am getting better, and am only kept back by the un a-
vorable weather."

Dr. Rice was of Austrian parentage, and was born on October 4,
1 84 1. Of his early life and subsequent career until he came to this
country we know little, save that he received a very thorough edu-
cation in- the classics, mathematics and the languages in various
schools in Munich, Passau and Vienna. Having been disappointed
in obtaining a position requiring a knowledge of Sanskrit under the

304

Editorial.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
June, 1901.

British Government, he came, through the influence of an uncle, to
America, in 1 862. During the war he served in the navy as hospital
steward, and had an opportunity of visiting various foreign coun-
tries. After his discharge from service he had a spell of illness and
was taken to Bellevue Hospital. Meanwhile he was made assistant
to John Frey, the apothecary of this institution, and prosecuted his
chemical studies so that upon the death of the latter he was made
superintendent of and chemist to the general drug department of
Bellevue Hospital, and subsequently chemist to the Department of
Public Charities and Corrections of New York City, which positions
he held during the remainder of his life.

His later life has been so rich in accomplishments that a knowl-
edge of all the details of his early life are not essential to an under-
standing of his character. His whole life was devoted to high pur-
poses and was so filled, in not only doing his own work, but also in giv-
ing aid and counsel to others, that when one approached him there was
no time for gossip or idle chat. Indeed, it would not be saying too
much that these things were foreign to his nature, and that life had
a greater meaning for him than this. It seems almost as though
Emerson must have been writing of some such personality as his
when he portrays what a friend should be, and says:

' ' Why should we desecrate noble and beautiful souls by intruding ou them ?
Why insist ou rash personal relations with your friend? Why go to his house
or know his mother and brothers and sisters ? Why be visited by him at your
own? Are these things material to our covenant? Leave this touching and
clawing. Let him be to me a spirit — a message, a thought, a sincerity. A
glance from him I want, but not news nor pottage. I can get politics and chat
and neighborly conveniences from cheaper companions. Should not the society
of my friend be to me poetic, pure, universal and great as nature itself? Ought
I to feel that our tie is profane in comparison with yonder bar of cloud that
sleeps on the horizon, or that clump of waning grass that divides the brook ?
Let us not vilify, but raise it to that standard. * * * * Worship his supe-
riorities."

Dr. Rice was one whom it will require years to appreciate and
understand. He will undoubtedly rank as the superior of all who
have labored before him in the profession of pharmacy. " He
taught, as the artist must, without intention, and his lesson was
how a man may be modest and self-reliant." In reply to a
request for a biographical sketch, he sent the following on March
11, 1900 :

Am. Jour. Pharm.
June, 1901.

Editorial.

305

Concerning your last letter, I* want to say now that I beg you to give up the
idea of making any sort of display of me in print. The older I get, the more
distasteful is this to me. I cannot prevent any one from acting on their own
will and judgment, but when I have a chance of giving my views before the
thing is done, I trust that my wishes will be fulfilled. My life, before I came
to this country, passed along in so uneventful a manner that the only land-
marks in it that I could point to, are fully covered by the biographical sketch
in the American Druggist some seven or eight years ago. Since I am here,
and since I hold my present position in the Department of Public Charities
(now about thirty-four and one-half years) my connection with pharmaceutical
journalism and pharmacopceial matters are, I believe, sufficiently well known
not to require announcement. Whatever is to be said about me, let it be said
after I am gone. Any sort of display about me, particularly now, would
be surely taken by some persons as a personal advertisement on the eve of the

convention. I am sorry that Dr. has seen fit to put such a puff

into , yet I cannot blame him, as he did not know how I feel

about it.

Hoping that you will drop the idea and comply with my wishes, I remain
your sincere friend,

Charges Rice.

A close study of the life of Dr. Rice will show that he was
pre-eminently a man of character. One could not but see in him the
personification of all the noble traits. He, unlike other men,
apparently had no chart or compass. He simply acted and lived
as seemed best, and what he did was right. He was so unselfish in
all his actions that he amazes us, and was with difficulty sometimes
understood. In 1885, as Chairman of the Committee on Unofficial
Formulas of the American Pharmaceutical Association, he had
worked out a plan whereby the New York and Brooklyn Formulary,
which he and others in the vicinity of New York had made so suc-
cessful, was to be turned over — for the sake of the larger field of
usefulness and greater good — to become the property of the Ameri-
can Pharmaceutical Association. The discussion on this subject
(see Proc, 1885, pp. 558-564 and 574-575) is most interesting read-
ing. The proposition was at first refused, and then through Mr.
Ebert the matter was again brought up and Dr. Rice spoke as fol-
lows. Those who knew Dr. Rice can doubtless see him and hear
him, because the tenor of his remarks on this occasion were charac-
teristic uf him on all occasions. He said :

Mr. President : — Certainly, yesterday it appeared to me that there was a
peculiar reluctance, to accept the gift freely offered, but I am happy to say
that reluctance due to a misunderstanding has been overcome. This may have
occurred in readingithe report hastily. We had in substance offered you the

306

Editorial.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
June, 1901.

following terms : We have asked you to approve of the Formulary, provided
you thought it worth}-. That was the proposition, or, perhaps, merely a sug-
gestion on the part of the committee. Then the other proposition was put in
the form of an invitation from the New York and Brooklyn societies, asking
the Association to join in the copyright. We did not insist that you should
copyiight it ; we offered it to you and wanted to help you in the matter of
getting the copyright, as we are incorporated. Or if you did not want it copy-
righted, and are rich enough to put your hand into your pocket and pay for
its publication without insuring to yourselves the exclusive sale of it, you
could go ahead and do it. The next proposition was that we ask you— actually
ask you — to take all the work that had been done in the preparation of the
third edition, which we interrupted in order to make you this offer. We did
not ask you to appoint us a committee. As a committee you can appoint any-
body else. We are very willing to turn over all our papers to this committee.
We knew that some money was required to carry on the experiments, and we
suggested that you place some funds at the disposal of the committee. You
need not do this if the committee are all rich men and are willing to pay the
expense themselves. But you could not expect everybody to do that and
serve upon the committee. If this committee is going to correspond with the
State pharmaceutical associations in all parts of the United States, to find out
what formulas each one desires to have introduced, with a view of making
them uniform, there will be some expense. In view of the fact that all the
work would cost something, we suggested that you set aside for the use of the
committee $250.

It should not be forgotten that a previous committee made an official
request of our General Committee to let them have the New York and Brook-
lyn Formulary, in order to incorporate it in their report to this Association,
because they could not get up anything better. We made the reply that we
were not authorized at the time to turn over the book ; but as the work has
now advanced so far in our hands, we concluded to give it to the Association
in order to make it national. We sent a representative to Philadelphia to see
the Council, and the Council seemed to be satisfied with the offer at that time
so far as they understood it ; but they decided that they were not authorized
to accept it, or to act in the premises, and the advice then given us was to
come to the Association. In response to that invitation, we make you a very
liberal offer and that is what was given to the Association yesterday. Yester-
day the impression on my mind and on the minds of my colleagues was very
strong that our offer was supposed to be not quite disinterested, and that for
this reason cold water was thrown upon it. I am glad to say that that was a
misapprehension. The explanation made a little while ago is satisfactory,
and the offer still stands, without any reserve of any kind ; and if you are
ready to act upon it, we shall be perfectly satisfied.

This was the beginning of the National Formulary, and in its
inception, principles and subsequent policies Dr. Rice was the
master hand.1 For most men this would have been a monumental

1 See Proc. A.Ph.A., 1884, p. 506 ; 1S85, pp. 558, 574 ; 18S6, pp. 159, 177, 191 ;
1887, p. 496 ; 18S8, first issue of the National Formulary.

Editorial. 307

work. But even a greater work was done by him on the U. S.
Pharmacopoeia. To wholly grasp the dilemma and appreciate the
position of the pharmacists of the United States in regard to the
revision of the Pharmacopoeia and the needs of reform, one must
consult the Proceedings of the A, Ph. A. for 1876 and 1877.1 Suffice
it to say that in enieavoring to solve the difficulties, one of our fore-
most pharmacists said of his own plan and efforts (Proc, 1 877, p. 531):
"The design and plan which was presented to the Association last
year has been entirely and, I was going to say, ignominiously de-
feated. * * * The American Medical Association has distinctly
refused to have anything to do with the subject, and now we are in
the condition we were in before the broaching of the subject. The
subject was entirely mine ; brought up entirely by me, originally
in the American Medical Association, and so far as I am concerned,
it has been entirely defeated and entirely frustrated. * * * The
whole subject of the Pharmacopoeia seemed to me to require recon-
struction and reform, and I undertook that subject with hesitation,
but yet earnestly and carefully and with the least possible personality,
and proposed a method of reform and a plan for discussion. This
soon brought upon me and my propositions an amount of abuse of
a character so personal and so intemperate as to be extremely
disagreeable, and therefore, I am now ready to leave the matter
and turn my attention to something better than setting up for
a reformer, even though still convinced of the necessity of the
reform."

It was under these circumstances that Dr. Rice was asked to
serve as chairman on the Special Committee of the A.Ph.A. on
Revision of the U.S.P. In the following year he organized the
committee, distributed the work among members and others, and
was ready to report at the meeting in 1878 (see Proc, p. 668) a
developed and successful plan. The work completely broke down his
health, and he asked to be relieved therefrom. This was done, and
it was then that Professor Maisch said (see Proc, p. 879) that " it is
principally due to that energy and wonderful talent of organizing
possessed by Mr. Rice that it [the work on the Pharmacopoeia. —
Ed.] has reached its present advancement." In closing his report,
Dr. Rice said, in his customary manner: " The chairman is grateful

Am. Jour. Phariu.
June, 1901.

JSee Proc. A.Ph.A., 1876, pp. 629-650; 1877, pp. 53^-539. 552-557-

3o8

Editorial.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
June, 1901.

for the honor conferred upon him, as well as for the expressions of
encouragement which he has received during the past year ; but it
should be borne in mind that all the advance thus far made is pri-
marily due to the able and earnest workers who are members of the
committee, or who have assisted the committee in its labors." Not-
withstanding his modesty, Professor Maisch at that time showed
upon whom the honor should be placed, and for twenty years the
pharmaceutical and medical professions have recognized that it was
the character and intellect, the mind and heart of Charles Rice that
pre-eminently made the U.S.P. what it is to-day. Fortunately he
lived long enough to mould the policies and direct the work of
revision of the forthcoming Pharmacopoeia, so that the success of it is
assured. His place cannot be filled, but his influence on pharmaco-
pceial work, like that on the National Formulary, has been so great
that for all time men will know what to do and how the work should
be done. He made the compass and the chart, and while difficul-
ties will present themselves and storms will arise, yet there surely
must be those who will be familiar with his life and actions so that
all will be well in the future, and the U.S.P. will continue to hold its
own for all time to come.

Dr. Rice never posed as the reformer ; he knew too well the ex-
periences of men from the time of Confucius to Emerson ; that what
was needed was the work that the present generation required to be
done. He, knew, too that this required the co-operation of every
one who could contribute to it. He knew who could work and he had
them work. He organized and led ; and everyone else received the
honors and emoluments for the work. He was satisfied that the
work was done. When the convention of 1890 voted him an
honorarium of $1,000, he turned it back into the Revision Com-
mittee Fund to pay others for their labors. As chairman of the Revi-
sion Committee of 1900 he was voted a salary, but he never asked for
it and had not, we believe, been paid for his services. He was the
ready worker at all times, doing his own work and that of others
too. If the needed work required him, it mattered not the condi-
tion of his health or how much other work he had to do, he was
ready to do it. When on account of impaired health he asked to
be relieved of the chairmanship of the Committee of Revision of
the A. Ph. A. in 1878, and after the chairman who succeeded him had
resigned, and after several ineffectual attempts to induce other mem-

Editorial. 309

bers of the Committee to accept the position had failed, he
(see Proa, 1879, p. 668), "rather than let the whole plan fail for
want of an organization, consented, much against his wi<rh, to
re-accept the office on the authority of the Executive Committee
and of the President." The entire report is well worthy of perusal,
as it shows this man of modesty and self-assurance in a strength
and beauty that is most commendable.

Dr. Rice wrote a great many papers, and he never wrote unless
he had something of value to say, What many investigators
would have put into an elaborate paper he put simply into a state-
ment of fact, as is shown in his answer to the query on st The
asserted variable solubility of sulphate of morphia " (see Proa,
1875, 821), of which there is not even a record in the general index.
In this connection it may be stated that he was Associate Editor of
New Remedies, which was subsequently merged into The American
Druggist. He served as chairman of the Committee on Adulterations
and Sophistications of the A.Ph.A. in 1873 and 1874, and demon-
strated how useful this committee might be in collating personal
observations, private communications and published reports in the
various journals bearing on this subject. These reports will always
be deserving the careful perusal of committees having this matter in
charge, as the disposition of the work, the general deductions and
observations, hold as true to-day as then. Dr. Rice served the
A.Ph.A. on many occasions. When through failing health Pro-
fessor Diehl was compelled to resign as Reporter on the Progress
of Pharmacy, Dr. Rice though not present was elected to help the
association out of its dilemma. He arranged for the work,
divided the salary among those whom he engaged to assist him in
it, arranged the report for the press, read the proof, and even
made the index himself. Surely no man in pharmacy acted like
this man, giving his time, his money and himself on each and every
occasion. He was First Vice-President of the A.Ph.A. at the meet-
ing in Washington in 18S3 and doubtless would have been made
President of the semi-centennial meeting in 1902.

Dr. Rice was an active member of the College of Pharmacy of the
city of New York and was chairman of the Committee on Examina-
tions. He also served the College in other ways; as chairman of
the Library Committee and as a member of the Board of Trustees,
and in the language of Samuel W. Fairchild, former President of the

Am. Jour. Pharm. 1
Juue. 1901. J

Editorial.

j Am. Jour. Pharm.
(. June, 1901.

College, "was unfailingly and devotedly interested in the affairs of
the College and zealous in promoting every measure that seemed to
promise improvement in the College work."

All that has been referred to in this brief sketch is but a part of
the career of this great man, and was the work accomplished during
his period of recreation. His best work was given as chemist and
superintendent to the Department of Correction and Charities of
New York City. He conducted all this work without permitting
the political rings in New York City to influence it in the least ; he
organized the work and made the department the only one that
has not suffered through the influence of political intrigue at one
time or other. He so conducted his department that, though the
work might be scrutinized with all the malice of a foe, nothing
should reward the search but the finding of a faithful adherence to
duty.

And yet when all this is said we have but glanced at the per-
sonality of this man. He was an unusual scholar and master of a
dozen or more of languages. He was a most thorough linguist
and recognized as an authority on questions of philology and ety-
mology and was one of the foremost Sanskrit scholars in this
country. He was a proficient mathematician, and had a thorough
grasp of recent researches in both theoretical and physical chem-
istry. He was a chemical as well as a biological analyst and was
on the staff in the Pediatrics Laboratory in New York City. He
had a working knowledge of botany and zoology that simply
amazed specialists in these branches. At one time he was doing
microscopical work in these sciences, and at another, systematic
work. No one comprehended this man in his entirety. To each
he revealed a part of himself, and because his attainments in a par-
ticular field stood out in such bold relief, men did not comprehend
that he was equally accomplished in others, and so men have com-
pared their notes and they each find that he stood for more than they
thought ; and now that the work of collating the facts of his life, his
achievements and his character has begun, they like the hues of the
opal and the light of the diamond, will become more and more
apparent as we come together and speak of him and write that
record.

Dr. Rice was an Honorary Fellow of the New York Academy of
Medicine and Honorary Member of the following organizations:

Am. Jour. Pharm.
June, 1901.

Editorial.

British Pharmaceutical Conference, Philadelphia College of Phar-
macy, Maryland College of Pharmacy, German Apothecaries' Society
of the City of New York, the Alumni Association of the Philadel-
phia College of Pharmacy, and the following State pharmaceutical
Associations : Louisiana, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania. He
was a corresponding member of the following societies : Societe de
Pharmacie d'Anvers, Colegio de Pharmaceuticos di Barcelona,
Sociedad de Historia Natural de Mexico, Pharmaceutical Society of
Athens (Greece) and of the Societe de Pharmacie de Paris.

He was a Regular Member of the German Oriental Society of
Leipzig und Halle, the American Oriental Society, the New York
Academy of Science, the New York Botanic Garden, the American
Chemical Society, the American Pharmaceutical Association, the
College of Pharmacy of the City of New York, the Committee of
Revision of the United States Pharmacopoeia, etc.

He received the following honorary degrees : Doctor of Philos-
ophy from the University of the City of New York, and Master in
Pharmacy from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.

There is but one father of American pharmacy as there is but
one " father of his country." These honors cannot be shared.
But as the name of Abraham Lincoln in American history, so the
name of Charles Rice will endure in the history of American phar-
macy. Each, like a meteor, has his own path of glory, and each, like
the famous mountain peaks, serve as resting places for our ascending
footsteps that we may catch the inspiration to do our part and do
it well. Dr. Rice, by reason of his attainments of intellect and
character/' indisputably enjoyed an elevated rank in human nature."
One ventures to believe that an adequate memorial of him will some
day be undertaken. Meanwhile his memory is safe ; his work will
be conserved and his example we should endeavor to emulate.

PHARMACEUTICAL MEETING.

The last of the series of pharmaceutical meetings of the Phila-
delphia College of Pharmacy for 1 900- 190 1 was held Tuesday,
May 21, 1 90 1. Dr. Adolph W. Miller, Corresponding Secretary of
the College and Lecturer on Materia Medica at the University of
Pennsylvania, presided. There was a fair attendance, and in other
respects the meeting was a fitting close to the series of meetings.

312 Pharmaceutical Meeting. {AmjuOnUe"-i90iarm'

The first speaker was Mr. F. B. Kilmer, New Brunswick, N. J.,
who read a most interesting and exhaustive paper, entitled " A Story
of Papaw." (See p. 272.) Mr. Gordon stated that some years
ago, when stationed at Colon, on the Isthmus of Panama, on board
the Atlanta, the crew were supplied with salt pork, salt fish and
beef, the physician in charge ordered them to get a supply of papaw
and wrap the meats in the leaves over night, which rendered
them digestible, and as a result the crew were very free from
sickness.

In reply to questions by Professor Lowe, Mr. Kilmer said that the
natives rub the meat with the papaw and then also boil it with the
meat, and that the ferment acts until the boiling point is reached
when it is destroyed. Mr. Kilmer said that while it might seem
plausible to cut off the fruits and then incise them, this was
not found to be practicable as the latex flows but a very short time
only after the fruit is removed from the tree.

In reply to the question of Mr. Boring as to whether the custard
apple, sometimes found in this region, is the same as the papaw to
which Mr. Kilmer referred, Mr. Kilmer stated that the papaw did not
occur further north than Jacksonville, Fla., as it will not stand the
frost, and Dr. Miller stated that the plant to which Mr. Boring re-
ferred is the Asimina triloba, an entirely different plant.

Referring to certain portions of the paper, Professor Kraemer said
in speaking of the variability of seeds which necessitates a selection
on the part of the planters of papaw, that this is due to the fact that
all the seeds, even though produced in the same pod or in the same
fruit, are not necessarily alike, because each does not receive the
same amount of nutriment and hence do not have the same degree
of vitality. In this connection he referred to recent investigations
which showed that the different commercial varieties of strophanthus
were not necessarily derived from different species, but might be
obtained from the same species, the difference being due to the
position in the pod, those more remote from the direct sup-
plies of food being less, or improperly, developed. He also
mentioned the fact that pistillate plants of Arismma triphyllum
deprived of the proper amount of nourishment produced the follow-
ing year staminate plants.

Professor Kraemer also referred to the subject of natural indica-
tors (see this Journal, p. 174) and thought that the color principle

Am. Jour. Pharru.\
June, 1901. j

Pharmaceutical Meeting.

313

to which Mr. Kilmer referred belonged, in all probability, to this
class of substances, which were apparently of rather wide occurrence
in nature. He also referred to a recent paper in Science (see p.
765), in which the author points out the living character of the
ferments.

Frederick T. Gordon read a paper on " Notes on the Use of
Methyl Alcohol in Pharmacy" (see p. 285). In the discussion
Mr. Wiegand pointed out that the odor in wood alcohol can be
removed by passing the electric current through it. Dr. Miller
said that it was sometimes used in making bay rum, and that he
could always detect the odor, which was very offensive to him.
E. Fullerton Cook, Assistant Director of the Pharmaceutical Labor-
atory, presented some abstracts of recently published articles refer-
ring to " The Use of Methyl Alcohol in Pharmaceutical Preparations "
(see p. 289). Frederick T. Gordon presented some " Notes on the
Spoliation of Syrups," which will be printed in a subsequent issue
of this Journal. F. W. Haussmann sent some notes bearing on
this question, which will also be published later. Dr. Miller stated
that broken rock-candy cost, by the barrel, about 1 cent more per
pound than granulated sugar, and that the cost of rock-candy would
therefore not interfere to any considerable extent with its use in the
preparation of medicinal syrups. Mr. Boring favored Mr. Gordon's
suggestion to make syrups in quantity to suit the demand for them.
Mr. Boring further said that he used rock-candy in making syrup
of hydriodic acid, and that in the preparation of syrup of wild cherry
he used the finely powdered bark, which he placed loosely in the
percolator. He moistens the bark, pours it into the percolator,
allows it to macerate, then removes, moistens again and pours back
into the percolator, the extraction then being rapid and satisfactory.

A device for cutting soap, by V. Clyde Michels, was exhibited,
which consisted of a ruled board with a wire attached, so that the
soap can be cut off in definite sizes. Mr. Boring stated that he heated
the soap on a register and cut it with an ordinary spatula. Dr. Lowe
suggested that several pieces of wire should accompany the appar-
atus, as the wire was likely to break, and that he found it necessary
to buy a large quantity in order to have it on hand.

On motion of Mr. Boring, which was seconded by Dr. Weide-
mann, a vote of thanks was tendered the speakers for their commun-
ications. H. K.

314

Notes and News.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
June, 1901.

PERSONAL NOTES.

The Monument to Pasteur, which is to be erected in his native town,
represents, besides a statue of Pasteur, a figure personifying science, who is
holding a wreath of laurel toward Pasteur and a woman holding two small
children, who are supposed to have been saved from death by Pasteur's dis-
coveries.

A Memorial Marble Bust of Robert Brown, the eminent botanist, has
been unveiled in the picture gallery of Marischal College, the University of
Aberdeen.

Walter Myers' Chair of Tropical Medicine has been endowed in the
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, in memory of the late Dr. Myers,
whose life was sacrificed in the study of yellow fever.

Emil Behring, Professor of Hygiene and the History of Medicine at Mar-
burg, has had conferred on him on the occasion of the bi-centenary of the
Prussian monarchy, the patent of hereditary nobility.

Max Von PeTTEnkofer, Professor in the University of Munich and the
eminent authority on hygiene and bacteriology, committed suicide on Febru-
ary loth, fearing that he would become insane, which fear seems to have been
well grounded as the autopsy subsequently showed.

Theodore Husemann, Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the
University of Gottingen, died unexpectedly on February 13, 1901.

Henry C. Blair, a prominent apothecary of Philadelphia, Pa., died on
January 7, 1901, after a brief illness.

William R. Warner, senior member of the firm of Wm. R. Warner & Co.,
manufacturing pharmacists, died April 3, 1901, of apoplexy.

Hans M. Wilder, well known for his ability in preparing indices, in
translating and abstracting scientific literature, and in arranging scientific
collections, died on January 25, 1901.

A Portrait of W. W. Keen, the eminent surgeon and professor in the
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, has been presented to that institution
by his colleagues and students.

G. A. Hansen, the discoverer of the lepra bacillus, will have his sixtieth
birthday on July 29th celebrated by the erection of a marble bust, in the Lun-
gegaard Hospital, Bergen, where he discovered the bacillus.

The RonTGEN Society of London offers, as a gift from its President, a
gold medal to be awarded to the maker of the best X-ray tubes.

Charles F. Chandler, President of the College of Pharmacy of the city
of New York, has been appointed by the President a member of the U. S.
Naval Observatory.

The List of the Honorary Members in the Philadelphia College of
Pharmacy has been increased by the recent election to membership of Prof.
Dr. Arthur Meyer, Marburg, Germany ; Dr. B. H. Paul, London ; Dr. Charles
Rice, New York City (since deceased) ; Helen A. Michael, Boston ; Dr. Charles
T. Mohr, Asheville, N. C.

THE AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY

JULY, igoi.

THE INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL
CONGRESSES.
By Fr. Hoffmann.*

At the annual meeting of a French pharmaceutical society held
at Strassburg in August, 1864, the disadvantages of the constantly
increasing manufacture of, and trade in, secret remedies (nostrums)
was discussed and the desideratum expressed for counteracting and
suppressing this growing and, as was claimed, dangerous evil in
medication and pharmacy. A resolution was proposed and adopted
for calling an international conference of delegates of the represen-
tative pharmaceutical associations for consideration and action in
this matter.

It remains a matter of conjecture whether an invitation was ex-
tended by French pharmaceutical associations to other societies for
arranging such a conference, or whether the resolution passed at the
Strassburg meeting became known only by reports published in
French, and subsequently republished in other pharmaceutical peri-
odicals. The fact is that at the annual meeting of the General
German Apothecaries' Association, held September 14-16, 1864, at
Wiesbaden, about one month after the meeting in Strassburg, atten-
tion was called to the resolution passed there in regard to the nos-
trum trade. This resolution was submitted for consideration to a

* At the request of the Editor of this Journal I have, not without reluctance,
consented to compile from a few American, British and German periodicals at
my disposal this brief and incomplete retrospect upon the so-called international
pharmaceutical: congresses. ~ , "

(315)

3i6

International Congresses.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

committee consisting of delegates of the North and the South Ger-
man and the Austrian Apothecaries' Associations, and of the Phar-
maceutical Society of St. Petersburg. This committee reported in
favor of arranging an international conference for considering the
prevailing nostrum evil and preparing a plan for proper and rigid
restriction or suppression of the same. As a further topic for con-
sideration it was suggested to come, if possible, to an agreement on
a uniform strength of the pharmacopoeial formulae for commonly
used galenical preparations of potent drugs, and to units of weights
and measures.

This committee rendered at the same meeting the following report,
which was unanimously adopted, and may have been the real im-
petus for the subsequent international pharmaceutical congresses :

" In Anbetracht, dass das Geheimmittel Unwesen mehr und mehr um sich
greift, die Regelung der medicinischen Gesetzgebung unmoglich macht, und
das Gesundheitswohl des Publikums gefahrdet und den Landern bedeutende
Summen Geldes entzieht, erscheint es geboten, Mittel und Wege in Erwagung
zu ziehen, wie diesem Unwesen Grenzen zu setzen und es ganzlich zu beseitigen
sei.

" Die Wiirde des pharmaceutischen Standes und das Interesse desselben
erfordern es, dass alle pharmaceutischen Vereine diese Bestrebungen kraftig
unterstiitzen und an den beziiglichen Berathungen Theil nehmen. Um dieses zu
ermoglichen haben die vereinten deutschen Apothekervereine in ihrer gemein-
samen Versammlung in Wiesbaden im September 1864 beschlossen, die sammt-
lichen Apotheker Europa's zur Abhaltung eines internationalen Congresses ein-
zuladen. Als Versammlungsort wahlten die beiden deutschen Vereine, in vor-
laufigem Einverstandnisse mit den in den Sitzunzen anwesenden Vertretern der
Pharmaceutischen Gesellschaft in Sanct Petersburg und des Oesterreichischen
Apotheker Vereins, die Stadt Dresden. Der allgemeine deutsche Apotheker
Verein ist geneigt, seine Versammlung im nachsten Jahre dort ebenfalls
abzuhalten.

" Nach den uns gemachten Mittheilungen ist die Beschickung des Congresses
von Seiten der franzosischen Apotheker mit Sicherheit zu erwarten.

"Die Bestrebungen gebildeter englischer Apotheker, deren in der letzten
Jahresversammlung des Oesterreichischen Apotheker Vereins Erwahnung
gemacht wurde, lassen auch einer Betheiligung der Apotheker Englands ent-
gegensehen."

Wiesbaden, d. 14 September 1864.

Dr. Rieckher, Oberdirector des Apotheker Vereins fur Siiddeutschland ; Dr.
Geiseler, fur den Norddeutschen Apotheker Verein ; Dr. G. A. Bjorcklund,
fiir die Pharmaceutische Gesellschaft in Russland ; Klinger, in Vertretung des
Oesterreichischen ApothekerVereins.

In April, 1865, an invitation for and programme of, an inter-
national conference was issued, signed by the presiding officers {Dr.

Am 'ju°iy!''i9oi.arm' } International Congresses. 317

Bley and Dr. Geiseler) of the North German and [Dr. Rieckher) of
the South German Apothecaries' Associations. It contained the
statement that at the last annual meeting of the General German
Apothecaries' Association, held at Wiesbaden in September, 1864, a
resolution had been adopted for arranging an international pharma-
ceutical congress, that this proposition meanwhile had met with the
endorsement of other pharmaceutical societies at their meetings, and
that the city of Brunswick had been chosen as place of meeting.

It was further stated, that the number of attendants should not be
restricted, but that only delegates of recognized pharmaceutical
associations would be entitled to voting, and that the deliberations
will be conducted in the German language, while the use of French
and English was also to be admitted.

The following queries were proposed for the consideration of the
meeting :

( r ) How and by what means can the professional position of the pharmacist
be maintained?

(2) How can the insufficient supply of assistants be remedied to the advan-
tage of both the employers and the employees ?

(3) Are the benevolent funds instituted in support of sick and invalid assist-
ants and of their widows, a success or a failure ?

(4) What are the main disadvantages prevailing in maintaining the standing
and the prosperity of the pharmacist ?

(5) Would the principle of free competition extended to pharmacy improve
the condition of the pharmacist and offer any advantage to the public ?

(6) How can a uniformity of the formulae of the pharmacopceial galenicals
be attained ?

( 7) Is the universal introduction and adoption of the metric system in weights
and measures desirable and what is the best way to bring it about ?

(8) Should pharmacopoeias invariably be written and published in the Latin
language ?

(9) How can quackery and the nostrum evil effectually be checked and
suppressed ?

(10) How is the sale of poisons to be regulated so as to prevent abuse dan-
gerous to life and health, without at the same time making the useful applica-
tion of poisons too difficult ?

FIRST INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL CONGRESS IN BRUNSWICK, 1 865.

The Congress took place immediately after the annual meeting of
the North German Apothecaries' Association in Brunswick, Sep-
tember 16 and 17, 1865. Only a few sessions were held and
attended by twenty-nine delegates, representing twelve pharma-
ceutical societies of Germany, Austria, Russia, France and Sweden.

31 8 International Congresses. {Amju°yy«£.ariD'

Mr. Dittrich, of Prague, was elected President and Mr. Robinet, of
Paris, Vice-President.

The following conclusions were the result of the deliberations on
the before-stated respective questions submitted to the Congress :

(1) By obligatory higher preliminary education and an adequate professional
education consisting of three to three and a half years' apprenticeship (two to
two and a half years for young men of superior preliminary education), of three
years' service as assistant, and three terms of university or college study. The
requirements at the State examination for obtaining the license as apothecary
should be raised, particularly in inorganic and organic chemical analysis.

(2) By the same measures as proposed in the reply to the first question.

(3) No definite conclusion was obtained.

(4) Repression of the nostrum trade and the dispensing of medicines by
medical practitioners.

(5) This question was answered in the negative. Experience demonstrates
the fact that free competition has p-oved of rather detrimental consequences,
nor is it conducive to cheapening the prices of medicines.

(6) At the periodical revision of the various pharmacopoeias a uniformity of
the formulae should be gradually attempted.

(7) The desirability of the adoption of metric units was generally conceded,
and the opinion prevailed that it should be made obligatory by governmental
ordinances. The introduction would not cause any considerable difficulty or
inconvenience.

(8) Generally consented as best and even necessary.

(9) The discussion of this question was a very animated one. The nostrum
industry was declared unethical and discreditable. No government ought to
permit this trade, detrimental to public and private health, nor protect by
patent or trade-mark rights alleged or empirical medical discoveries when intro-
duced as secret remedies or specialties. The pretended formulae of the con-
stituents of nostrums are mostly vague or incorrect, and the certificates for
their efficiency fraudulent or obtained by bribes. The nostrum trade is based
upon false pretenses, deceit and popular credulity, and should be repressed by
all means.

Cosmetics should be placed under the control of the health authorities.

Even the French delegates endorsed these sentiments, stating
that the French pharmaceutical associations recently had expelled
from membership all makers of specialties, and that the great
majority of French pharmacists discountenanced nostrums.

At the conclusion of the Congress a standing committee for
selecting place and time and initiating the proper arrangements for
holding a second Congress after the lapse of three years, was
appointed, consisting of the presidents of the five principal phar-
maceutical societies of the Continent,

The two pharmaceutical societies of Great Britain and the Ameri-

Am'juTy?i9oiarm'} International Congresses. 319

can Pharmaceutical Association, although invited in time, were not
represented at this first International Congress. The Council of
the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain rendered at its meeting,
August 2, 1865, the following response to the invitation received:

"Whilst this Society estimates highly the proposed objects of holding an
international conference of pharmacists, and would gladly give any facilities in
its power to their prosecution, it is scarcely within its functions as a corporate
body to appoint representatives thereto. We would, however, draw the atten-
tion of the Committee on Arrangements to a voluntary association existing in
this country under the title ' British Pharmaceutical Conference,' one of whose
objects is a correspondence with societies with similar aims in other countries,
to whom such a communication may be addressed. This being done, the
Pharmaceutical Conference would probably arrange, if practicable, to co-op-
erate in some way at a future meeting."*

SECOND CONGRESS IN PARIS, 1867.

The committee elected at the Congress in Brunswick, selected
Paris as the place for holding the second meeting and confided all
arrangements to the Society of Pharmacy of Paris. The committee
of this society addressed, early in 1867, an invitation to and pro-
gramme for, the Congress to be held on August 21-25,1867, at
the time of the second World's Fair in Paris.

The programme argues " that pharmacy in Europe at this time
is in an unhealthy and critical condition, not less injurious to the true
interests of the public than to those of the profession itself. This
critical situation has been explained by the Congress of Brunswick,
and that body has given the results of its deliberations in the form
of resolutions.

" In consonance with the present efforts of various countries to
attain to an international uniform type in weights, measures, mon-
eys, etc., the Congress will naturally be led to recognize the neces-
sity of a code or legal formulary as a guide to the pharmacists of
all countries. This code will insure uniformity of composition and
strength in the commonly used medicines, particularly the more
potent ones."

The Committee of Organization therefore proposes the following
questions to be considered at the meeting of the Congress of 1867.

(1) What character should be attributed to the pharmacist? What are the
functions he should perform and what conditions ought he to accomplish in
order to acquit himself of his professional obligations ?

* Pharmaceutical Journal and Transactions, 1865-1866, p. 93,

320

(2) What are the most expedient ways and means of elaborating a code or
formulary of official medicines, for which it is important to establish a uniform
composition ?

(3) What are the best and most practical means of determining the amount
of active principles, especially of alkaloids in the drugs containing them, and
in the galenical preparation of these drugs ?

Each association will be entitled to three delegates, national associations to
three delegates for every 100 of its members, but each delegation will have
only one vote.

The Congress was attended by about fifty delegates from France,
three from Holland, two from the United States (Wm. Procter, jtr.,
of Philadelphia, and John Faber, then residing at Nuremberg), three
from Germany, four from Austria-Hungary, three from Russia, two
from Spain, two from Switzerland, one from Italy, one from Sweden
and one from Egypt. Dr. Rieckher, of Germany, was elected Presi-
dent, with five honorary vice-presidents.

The deliberations seem to have been not strictly in the line of the
proposed questions. The main discussions and resolutions related
to the following subjects :

How can the status and prosperity of the practice of pharmacy
be best advanced ? — By restriction of the relative number of phar
macies and by a proper control and limitation in proportion to the
number of inhabitants and the increase of population. The Amer-
ican delegates were the only ones who voted in the negative.

It was recognized to be advisable to institute pharmaceutical
advisory boards for assisting the Government in the proper regula-
tion and control of pharmaceutical and sanitary affairs. In this
connection, a resolution was added, declaring that the trade in
nostrums and trade-marked specialties and their advertisements in
the newspapers should be strictly prohibited. The American dele-
gates refrained from voting on this question.

The traditional problem of an international pharmacopoeia caused
a long but unavailing discussion. It was finally agreed that the
Latin language was the best one for a universal code and that the
elaboration of such a one should be undertaken. Only the dele-
gates of the United States voted against this resolution for the
reason that the broad differences of views in regard to many im-
portant galenical preparations in use in America, as well as in Eng-
land, tog-ether with the numerous preparations and drugs used on
the continent and not esteemed in America and England as meri-

Aui. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

International Congresses.

321

torious, were obstacles too. great to meet the approval of American
and British pharmacopoeia committees.

At the conclusion of the Congress, the Committee of Organization
for a next Congress, appointed at the Brunswick meeting, was re-
elected and Vienna proposed as place for assembling.

THIRD CONGRESS IN VIENNA, 1 869.

The invitations and programme having been sent out early in
1869, the delegates to the Third International Pharmaceutical Con-
gress convened in Vienna, September 9, 1869. The following
countries were represented by delegates: Austria by twelve, Ger-
many by nine, Russia by three, France by three, Italy by one,
Switzerland by one, England by two (H. S. Evans and Theoph. Red-
wood) and the United States by one (John Faber, of Nuremberg).
Mr. Wm. Dankworth, of Germany, was elected President and Messrs.
Robinet, of France, and Trapp, of Russia, Vice-Presidents.

The questions submitted to the Congress were :

(1) Are independent schools of pharmacy desirable ? — The dele-
gates of the various countries briefly described the collegiate edu-
cation at home. They finally agreed upon the resolution that
higher pharmaceutical schools, as an integral part of universities,
with pharmacists as professors in the classes relating exclusively to
pharmacy, would be preferable in the interest of both the public
and the profession.

(2) What advantages will arise from syndical chambers proposed
at the preceding Congress ? — The committee to whom this query
had been submitted reported in favor of establishing such syndical
chambers as representative and advisory bodies between the phar-
maceutical association and the Government. They might be
formed of delegates from the pharmaceutical corporations within
certain districts. Their duties would consist in representing the
profession in forming new regulations affecting pharmacy, and in
acting as executive bodies for the proper working of existing laws.

(3) Is the supremacy of the medical profession in regulating phar-
maceutical matters compatible with the present professional and social
standing of the pharmacist, and does it conduce to the interests of
the State, the public and the pharmacist ? — This question applied
to pharmacy in continental Europe only. The delegates shared in
the opinion that the scope and the extent of medical knowledge

322

International Congresses.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

have reached such an amplitude that medical men on the average
cannot any more enter upon the study of pharmaceutical branches,
that, therefore, the pharmacist should replace the physician in the
conduct and regulation of purely pharmaceutical affairs. Jf the
governments have any doubt in their professional ability to do so,
they should raise the standard of pharmaceutical education and the
requirements at the State examinations.

(4) What should be done to attain to the greatest possible uni-
formity in the composition and strength of the pharmacopceial
preparations ? — It was stated that the Pharmaceutical Society of
Paris had volunteered to undertake the compilation of a compara-
tive conspectus showing side by side the differences existing in the
various pharmacopoeias in regard to the composition and relative
strength of the identical galenical preparations in the various
countries in order to initiate steps to have the pharmacopoeias
adopt uniform formulae in course of time. This work has been
commenced and will be submitted to the next Congress.

(5) What methods are best for assaying the organic alkaloidal
drugs? — This question was dropped as hardly pertaining to the
present objects of the Congress. It was, however, acknowledged
that the methods for ascertaining the proportion of the active
principles of drugs prescribed in the pharmacopoeias needed
improvements and that this matter belonged to the domain of the
committees of pharmacopceial revision.

In conclusion it was resolved that the President may prepare a
report on the resolutions of the Congress and communicate this
report to the governments of those countries who were represented
by delegates.

The proposition was made and endorsed to hold the fourth Inter-
national Pharmaceutical Congress after the lapse of three years.
The presidents of the National Pharmaceutical Associations of
Austria, Germany, Russia, and France were delegated as a- com-
mittee for selecting the place of the meeting and making in time,
the proper arrangements for such a meeting. The delegate from
Prussia tendered an invitation to hold this in St. Petersburg.

THE FIRST MOVE TO INVITE THE CONGRESS TO HOLD A MEETING IN
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

In consequence of the Franco-German war in 1869 and 1870 the

Am. Jour. Pnarru.
July, 1901.

International Congresses.

323

holding of the fourth Congress within the time stipulated at the
preceding meeting in 1867 was delayed for two years. Meanwhile
an initiatory move was made by Professor Maisch and endorsed by
President E. H. Sargent \n his presidential address before the annual
meeting of the American Pharmaceutical Association held in Balti-
more, Md., in September, 1870, for holding the fifth Congress in
Philadelphia in the Centennial year, 1876. This proposition met
with approval and a committee consisting of Messrs. Wm. Procter,
Jr., Albeit E. Ebert and Fred. Hoffmann was appointed to report on
the subject with a plan of action, at the meeting of the Association
in 1 871.

This committee presented the following report to the American
Pharmaceutical Association at its meeting in St. Louis, September,
1871 :

That in view of the notable period in the history of our country, the Cen-
tennial anniversary of its political independence, which will be reached in the
year 1876 we are called upon, in common with all citizens of the Republic, to
manifest our patriotic impulses in a worthy manner, by showing the advance-
ments made in the arts and sciences, and the progress towards a higher civili-
zation. Further, as at that time unusual inducements and attractions will
doubtless cause many to visit this country from foreign lands, it is believed
that so favorable an opportunity will not soon occur again to briug together in
this country pharmacists of Europe.

It is therefore recommended that the International Pharmaceutical Congress
be solicited to postpone the meeting which would occur in its regular order in
1875, and that this Association extend a cordial invitation to that body to meet
in this country in the year I876. But if for any reason the Congress should
deem it not advisable to accept such invitation, it is recommended that an in-
vitation be extended to the delegates present at the meeting in 1872, and to
the pharmacists of all nations, to meet with this Association in 1876.

Your committee further recommends, that at the present meeting the month
of July and the city of Philadelphia be designated as the time and place for the
meeting of 1876, it being manifestly appropriate that the meeting of that year
should be held in the centre of pharmaceutical and political interest, and in
the month dedicated to the celebration of our National Independence. . The
action recommended seems necessary at this time, in order that our annual
meetings intervening may be located in view of such decision, and that appro-
priate efforts may be made to insure at that meeting a full representation of
American pharmacists, thereby making this association a truly national
brotherhood of all engaged in our noble profession.

Your committee further recommends the appointment of a committee at this
meeting for devising suitable plans and recommending such preliminary
arrangements as seem necessary to render the meeting of 1876 worthy of the
occasion.

[Signed] Albert E. Ebert.

Fred. Hoffmann.

324

International Congresses.

Am. Jour. Pharra.
July, 1901.

Professor Procter refrained from signing this report on account of
the fact that the International Congresses thus far have only de-
voted themselves " to correcting abuses that exist in Europe in the
laws bearing on the profession there. By transferring their delegates
to this country, to act here just as they do there, would be unprac-
ticable and unavailing in consideration of the very different views
and usages prevailing in the practice of pharmacy in the United
States and England."

At the meeting of the American Pharmaceutical Association in St.
Louis, September, 1 871, it was, however, stated that, although all the
discussions of the International Congresses thus far held amounted
to very little to American pharmacists, inasmuch as they naturally
had been discussing subjects of particular interest and application only
to the country in which they met. If they should come here where
the conditions under which pharmacy is practised are essentially
different from those existing in Europe, the questions to be dis-
cussed and the deliberations would undoubtedly be pertinent to
and in accordance with these conditions.

The report of the committee and the motion to invite the Inter-
national Pharmaceutical Congress to meet in the United States in
1876 was unanimously adopted with but two dissenting votes, and
the city of Philadelphia was chosen as place of meeting.

In compliance with these resolutions the following invitation was
addressed, July 13, 1 874, by the American Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion to the fourth International Pharmaceutical Congress at St.
Petersburg :

* * * In the year 1876 occurs the one hundredth anniversary of the
Independence of the United States of America. This historical event will be
celebrated throughout our country, and an international industrial exposition
will be held in the city of Philadelphia. * * *

It is more than probable that this Industrial Exposition will be visited by
many European pharmacists, and that this occasion will be a fit and convenient
opportunity to unite the delegates of the pharmaceutical societies, throughout
the civilized world, in council on the questions affecting the present and future
status of pharmacy among the nations, or having a practical or scientific
importance for our profession.

The officers of the American Pharmaceutical Association, in carrying out
the resolution of this association adopted at its meeting in St. Louis in 1871,
cordially invite the fourth International Pharmaceutical Congress to appoint
the year 1876 and the city of Philadelphia as the time and place of meeting of
the fifth Congress.

Am. Jour. Pbarm.
July, 1901.

International Cong r esses.

32S

* * * Should the fourth Congress deem it iuexpedient to call the fifth
Congress to meet in the United States in 1876, we now invite all the societies
which may be represented at the St. Petersburg Congress, and all pharmacists,
to meet the American Pharmaceutical Association at its twenty-fourth annual
meeting, which will beheld in Philadelphia during the International Industrial
Exhibition in 1876.

[Signed] John F. Hancock,

President.

John M. Maisch,
Permanent Secretary of the Amer. Pharmac. Association-

This letter of invitation was laid before the Congress at St. Peters-
burg, as stated further on. As no response had been received from
the presiding officers of the Congress until nearly one year after
the letter had been sent, the Permanent Secretary of the American
Pharmaceutical Association addressed, on June 3, 1875, tne follow-
ing inquiry to the President of that Congress :

The American Pharmaceutical Association will hold its twenty-third
annual meeting in Boston early in September, 1875, and will then determine
upon the proper measures for its twenty-fourth meeting, which will convene in
Philadelphia during the International Exhibition in 1876. You are aware that
the fourth International Pharmaceutical Congress was invited to call the meet-
ing of the fifth Congress to assemble in Philadelphia in 1876. The selection
of the proper place and time having been referred to the International Congress
Committee, I take the liberty of inquiring of you whether that committee has
decided upon the invitation above referred to.

I also beg to ask for information in relation to the proposed draft of an
international pharmacopoeia ; if possible, the American Pharmaceutical Asso-
ciation desires to participate in its elaboration.

[Signed] John M. Maisch,

Permanent Secretary, A. Ph. A.

Phu.adei.phia, June 3, 1875.

It seems that no reply has been received to this letter neither.
This ended the first effort of inducing the Congress to hold a meet-
ing in the United States during the Centennial year 1876.

( To be continued.)

The Lowering of the Temperature of Water of maximum density
by solutions of various salts is shown by de Coppet (Compt. rend., May 20,
1 901) to be proportional to the quantity of the substance dissolved and that with
the exception of lithium salts the molecular lowering is almost constant.

326

Developments in Organic Compounds.

Am. Jour Pbarm.
July, 1901.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE STUDY OF THE
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHEMICAL CONSTI-
TUTION AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION
OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS.

By Prof. Virgin Coblentz.

( Concluded from p. 272. )

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TASTE AND CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION.

Sweet and bitter taste has long played a very important part in
modern medicine and pharmacy. Formerly resort was always had
to the use of corrigents. However, of late years, synthetic chem-
istry has endeavored to solve this question from a purely scientific
standpoint, through the introduction of certain groups which would
not interfere in any manner with the therapeutic effects of the
original substance.

In alcohols of the aliphatic series the sweetness increases to a
certain extent with the number of entering hydroxyl groups, as for
example, the glycols, glycerol, mannitol. The polyhydric alcohols
are less sweet than their corresponding aldehydes and ketones, as
for example, mannitol and its aldoses and ketoses.

CH.OH CH2OH CH9OH

I I I

(CHOH)4 (CHOH)4 (CHOH)3

CH2OH

Mannitol.

An Aldose.

CH2OH
A Ketose.

According to W. Sternberg, the hydroxyl (OH) and amido
(NH2) groups are taste generators, the entrance of one hydroxyl
carries odor and two or more taste. The presence of a carboxyl
group produces in all cases a sour taste. Stereo geometrical con-
figurations play no part. This investigator also claims that a cer-
tain harmonic relation between the substituting hydroxyl and the
substituted alkyl groups is necessary for the development of sweet
taste. Every alkyl group must stand opposite a hydroxyl, as is the
case in glycerol and mannitol. The alkyl groups may be per-
mitted to exceed the hydroxyls by one member only, so that the

A.m. Jour. Pharm.\
July, 1901. f

.Developments in Organic Compounds.

327

molecule contains one oxygen less than carbon without the sweet
taste suffering, for this reason the disaccharides (sucrose) are sweet
and the tri and poly-saccharides are tasteless.

On replacing the alkyl radical in glucoses by a phenyl, an
intense bitter substance results.

CH,

CHOH
I

CH2OH
Butenyl Glycerol
Sweet.

C6H5
I

CHOH

CH2OH
Phenyl Glycerol
Bitter.

The natural glucosides are bitter because they are mostly phenol
derivatives.

Symmetry of the hydroxylated compound is also necessary, thus
those di and tri-hydric phenols whose substituting groups occupy
the symmetrical meta position are sweet, for example :

Resorcin
m-dioxy-benzole
sweet

Pyrocatechin
o.dioxy-benzole
bitter

Phloroglucin
symmetric
sweet OH

Pyrogallol
bitter

X|OH
loH

The amido group (NH,) lends a sweet taste to hydrocarbons
under the conditions that a negative carboxyl group (COOH) is
present and the other groupings are closely linked thus the ortho-
amido-salicylic acid is feebly sweet, while the para ai.d m la com-
pounds are tasteless.

NH2
OH

Ortho-amido-salicylic acid

COOH

328 Developments in Organic Compounds. {Am'JJu°iy1[,iSifrm'

Amido-benzoic acid loses its sweet taste through the introduc-
tion of an extra acid group and only in

Ortho-sulfamid-benzoic acid

v S02NH9
COOH'

through the close linkage brought about by the andride formation
is an intense sweet taste developed

>NH
CO7

Ortho-benzoic sulfinid.

To correct taste, efforts are generally directed toward either
closing the reactive groups through the addition of radicals or the
conversion of the substance into an insoluble compound which,
however, must be of such a nature as to readily split up in the
alkaline secretions of the intestinal canal. Efforts to render quinin
salts tasteless have been successful in such combinations as quinin
chloro carbonic ester CO . CI . C20H23N2O2, also Euchinin— an ethyl
carbonic ester of quinin C2H50 — CO — OC20H23N2O2

Freedom from tinnitus as well as from taste is claimed for these
salts.

The tasteless character of quinin tannate is known to us all. The
disagreeable taste and undesirable action in the stomach produced
by tannin are repressed by forming an insoluble compound with
albumen, casein or gelatin, as for example in such compounds as
Tannalbin (a compound of tannin and albumin), Tannigen (acetic
ester of tannin), Tannon (a condensation product of tannin and uro-
tropin), Tannoform (a condensation product of tannin and formalde-
hyde). These are all valuable intestinal astringents. In this con-
nection the salol class of intestinal antiseptics introduced by Nencki
may be mentioned. Here not only the taste but also the caustic
action of many substances is avoided through esterification.

7OH

Salol C6H4 ' Phenyl salicylic ester,

XCOOC6H5

■juiyr."i??iarm"} Developments in Organic Compounds.
,OH

329

Betol C6H /

xCOJ — C10H7
OH

Salacetol C6H4^

xCOO — CH0COCH3

Salophen C6H ' NH
XCOO • C6H /

XCOCH.

Cresalols QH^

Salicylic nap thy I
ester.

Salicyl acetol.

A ceto-pa ra - a mid 0 -
salol.

So lie y lie ere sy lie
estets.

COO • C6H4CH3
As esters of Guaiacol

OH (!)

XOCH3 (2)

we have the valuable comparatively tasteless and less disturbing
compounds

O — C6H4OCH3

Duotal CO'

xO— CeH4OCH3
,OH

QH3s

■OCH3 + 2H20

Benzosol C6H4;

COOH
OCH.:

O — C6H.CO

OCR

Guaiacol carbonate.

Guaiacel carbonic
acid

Guaiaeol benzoate.
Guaiacol cinnamate.

Sty r a col QH/

X0 — C6H4 — CH-— CH — CO
OCH3

Geosote QH/ Guaiacol valerate.

xO— COCH,— CH=(CH3)2

^ ru /OCH3 Guaiacol glyceryl

Guaiamar CHH/ . & s j

xO— CH2— CHOH— CH2OH eUur-

ANTIPYRETICS.

Formerly the efforts of the synthetic chemist were directed toward
producing bodies analogous in character and action to the well known
quinin. Ten years ago the views as to the constitution of quinin were

330 Developments in Organic Compounds.

July. 1901.

erroneous, hence such synthesized substances differed essentially
from this alkaloid. Of all the synthetic antipyretics none possess
the most important function of quinin, that is, its specific action in
malaria. Quinolin

being the mother substance of quinine, was necessarily the basis of
these attempts. Filehne found that only the alkylated nitrogen of
a tetrahydro quinolin was worthy of trial ; following this came
Fischer's Kairin, Kairolin and Skraup's Thalline

Kairin //Xv/X H2

(ethyl-ortho-oxy-quinolin tetra hydride). ^2

OH N — C2H5HCl

Owing to the unpleasant and sometimes dangerous toxic side
actions this class of derivatives has been dropped. This nucleus fur-
nishes us, however, a valuable antiseptic in Loretin (meta-iodo.ortho-
oxy-quinolin-ana-sulfonic acid).

SOoH

OH N

With the intention to produce a quinine-like body Knorr discovered
antipyrin. This investigator's views as to the constitution of this
synthesized body were at first erroneous. Knorr thought that this
newly discovered body was a di-methyl-oxy-chinizin in which two
quinolin molecules were linked to the pyridin nucleus, as was sup-
posed to be the case with quinin. Later it was found that the
five-membered ring Pyrazol

Am'juiu/,'i9oiarm"} Developments in Organic Compounds. 331

was the nucleus, antipyrin ,being a phenyl 1 — dimethyl 2, 3 —
pyrazolon 5.

CH,N

CH3C

N . C6H5
CO

Tolypyrin resulting through the introduction of a methyl group
possesses a more irritating action, 4 grammes bring equivalent to 5
to 6 of antipyrin.

The only active competitor of antipyrin belonging to this series
was found in Pyramidon, a di methyl-amido-antipyrin which is three
times as active as antipyrin

N . C6H5
CHoN ,/X CO

CH3C

C(CH,

ANILIN DERIVATIVES.

The accidental discovery of the antipyretic and anti-neuralgic
properties of acetanilid led to its study and subsequent unlimited
application in the preparation of innumerable medicinal derivatives.
The introduction of acid radicals in place of a hydrogen of the amido
group of a base results m the diminution of its toxic action on the
ground that the substance has become more resistive to the decom-
posing action of the body fluids; hence acetanilid C6H5NHCH3CO
represents the toxic characters of anilin but in a milder degree, its
action being that of anilin in a weak and protracted condition.

Benzanilid C6H5NHC6H5CO splits up with difficulty and slowly
in the system, hence its action is milder than that of acetanilid,
Salicylic anilid fails to break up, hence is without action.

PARA-AMIDO-PHENOL DERIVATIVES.

With the experience of acetanilid and its derivatives synthetic
chemists made systematic efforts to build up a substance which
should represent the antipyretic and antineuralgic properties of
acetanilid without its unpleasant side effects and action on the
hemoglobin of the red blood-corpuscles.

332

Developments in Organic Compounds.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
I July, 1901.

The investigations of Schmiedeberg demonstrated that anilin was
altered and rendered less toxic in the organism through oxidation
in the para position yielding para-amido-phenol.

Anilin
(amido-benzol)

Para-amido-phenol

NH,

With this in view, also that para amido phenol was less toxic
than anilin, an acetyl radical was introduced with the hope of
obtaining an ideal antipyretic. The resulting acetyl para amido
phenol still possessed toxic antipyretic symptoms, hence it was found
necessary to close or protect the free hydroxyl group through the
introduction of an alkyl radical. If a methyl group is employed,
methacetin results; an ethyl, phenacetin; other alkyls, as propionyl,
butyryl, etc., have been employed in place of the- ethyl, but the
resulting compounds, because of their great insolubility, react too
slowly in the system.

/OCH,
C H /

Anisidin

7OC2H5

XNH2
Phenetidin

OCH3

"xNHCH3CO
Methacetin

OC2H5

CH /

4xNHCH3CO
Phenacetin

The maximum of antipyretic and antineuralgic action is found in
the methyl derivative (methacetin), while the least toxicity is pos-
sessed by the ethyl derivative (phenacetin). The readiness with
which the acid secretions of the stomach split off the acid rest pre.
paratory to the decomposition of the resulting phenetidin nucleus
depends largely upon the nature of the acid employed. Among these
derivatives in which the acetic acid rest of phenacetin is replaced
by other acid rests are lactic (Lactophenin), valeric (Sedatin),
salicylic (Saliphen), phenyl glycolic (Amygdophenin), vanillic
(Vanillin-p-phenetidin), etc.

Am'jJuiy?iloifrm'} Developments in Organic Compounds. 333

Each of these possesses slightly different characters as regards
solubility, rapidity of action, varied elimination of toxic effects, etc.

Owing to the insolubility of phenacetin, one of the earliest
endeavors was to obtain a compound sufficiently soluble to enable
its employment in solution. This was accomplished by the addition
of a basic group, glycocoll (amido acetic acid), which, through its
amido group, is capable of uniting with other acids and forming
very soluble salts.

Phenocoll C6H4;

OC2H,

NHCH.NH.CO . HC1.

Amido-acet-para-phenetidin hydrochlorid. The soluble salts are
the hydrochlorid, acetate and salicylate (Salocoll).

All antipyretics act in a greater or lesser degree on the blood in
which the oxyhemoglobin is converted into methaemoglobin and
the respiratory capacity lessened and the red blood-corpuscles
modified, the blood pigment at times being set free.

According to Schmitt these remedies may be divided into the fol-
lowing classes :

(1) Antipyretics, which in moderate doses oxidize the haemo-
globin, as antipyrin and phenacetin.

(2) Remedies which in moderate doses fix the methaemoglobin
within the blood-corpuscles as thallin, antithermin, kairin, exalgin,
methacetin, acetyl amido-phenol.

(3) Remedies which fix the methaemoglobin, destroy the red
corpuscles and set free the methaemoglobin which appears in the
urine, lor example, acetanilid, benzanilid, formanilid, pyrodin, etc.

The ideal antipyretic and antineuralgic with a specific antimalarial
action has not as yet been found, and will not until either accident
or a more accurate knowledge of the structure of quinin furnishes
the means.

LOCAL ANESTHETICS.

On hydrolizing cocain with mineral acids, methyl alcohol and
benzoic acid with the nucleus Ecgonin result, neither possesses local
anaesthetic action.

It does not matter which alkyl radical replaces the methyl of the
COOCH3 group, the homologue retains the typical properties ot
cocain.

334 Developments in Organic Compounds. { Am,juiyr,'i9?i!rm'

Of greater importance is the replacement of the benzoyl group
in cocain by other acid radicals, the anaesthetic properties are
either lessened or disappear entirely.

Filehne thought that the benzoic acid rest was necessary, on the
ground that atropin, Homatropin and the benzoic derivatives of
other alkaloids, as morphin, hydrocotarnin and quinin, possessed
local anaesthetic action.

CH2 CH CH2

I I
NCH3 CH.OH Tropin

I I

CH2 CH CH2

CH, CH CH . COOH

Ecgonin

NCH3 CH.OH

CH., CH CH2

For the development of the action of cocain the position and union
of the OH and COOH groups are of great importance, hence the
stereo chemical configuration of the ecgonin nucleus is essential in
conjunction with the anchoring benzoyl group. The methyl group
covers the acid and irritating characters of ecgonin.

Further, the derivatives of tropin, which do not contain a
carboxyl, the addition of a methyl group is not essential for action.
On the other hand, the presence of an esterized carboxyl increases
activity. The mydriatic effect stands likewise in close relationship
to the fundamental base (a pyrrolidin), but the localizing action
is governed only by aromatic acid radicals, as is the case in atropin
and homatropin. Based on the view of Merling, that cocain was
made up of two ring nuclei, and that one, a methylated piperidin,
was the active base, several products were synthesized from the
methylated base triaceton alkamin, namely

CH9 CH CH.COO.CH,

Cocain

N.CH3 CH.O.C6H5CO

Benzoyl-methyl-ecgonin

CH9- _CH CH9

A.m. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

Developments in Organic Compounds.

335

HoC

(CH3)2C

CH2

C(CH3)2

N — CH3

Triaceton alkamin.

H2C

CH . OH

CH9

(CH3)2C N / CCH3
NH

Vinyl diaceton alkamin.

/COOCH,
\0— C6H5CO

Eucai?i "A"

Benzovl-methyl
Tetra-m ethyl
Hydro-piperidin
Carboxy-methyl
Ester.

\0— CH

XOH— CO
/ upthalmin

CH.O— C6H5CO

Eucain "B"

the local anaesthetics eucain " A" and eucain "B" and the myotic
euphthalmin

Eucain A, which is closely related to tropa cocain, is a local anaes-
thetic, it does not produce a dilation of the pupil, however, its
irritating action on mucous surfaces are detrimental to its use. More
successful as a substitute for cocaine was Eucain " B," which is free
from irritating action and more active and less toxic than the former.
Chemically, eucain " B " is the benzoyl derivative of the base vinyl-
diaceton-alxamin, and like cocain, it loses its local anaesthetic effect
on replacing the benzoyl radical with an acetyl. If a mandelic acid
radical (C6H5 — CH(OH)CO) is introduced in place of the benzoyl of
eucain " B," the very active mydriatic eupthalmine results. The
hydrochlorid of this base has chemically the same relation to eucaine
"B" as homatropin has to tropa-cocain, that is euphthalmin is the
hydrochlorid of the mandelic acid derivative of eucain "B."

Einhorn and Heinz have prepared various derivatives of the other
half of the ecgonine complex, namely hexa-hydrobenzole. They
found that all the esters of the aromatic hydroxy-amido acids pos-
sessed local anaesthetic properties, particularly so the methyl ester
of para-amido-meta-oxy-benzoic acid (C6H3(OH)(NH2)COOCH3)
which is called orthoform.

336

Story of the Pap aw.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

THE STORY OF THE PAPAW.
By F. B. Kilmer.

{Continued from page 285. )
THE MILK OF THE PAPAW.

Trees that give milk are plentiful in the tropics. The native
name for the papaw is " lechoso " (a producer of milk). When an
incision is made in the bark of any part of the tree or in the fruit
rind, a limpid, milk-like liquid exudes very freely. It is slightly
more dense than water, and in contact with the air quickly coagulates
and closes the incision. This coagulation is a rather notable phe-
nomenon.

For the fraction of a minute the liquid flows as though a milk
bottle were uncorked, and one imagines that gallons will run with-
out stopping, but suddenly it ceases. On examination it is found
that the milk is coagulated for a considerable distance within the
glands. I am quite firmly convinced that this action is due to the
presence of a clotting enzyme. This assumption is made probable
by the fact of the quite ur iversal presence of pectin in plants, and
further from the fact that I have proven the presence of calcium
salts and pectic compounds in the latex of the papaw. This state-
ment is further strengthened by my observation that the latex of
the papaw will coagulate the juice (neutral or alkaline) ot certain
other plants. The presence of rennin ferment in the latex of the
papaw is noted elsewhere in this paper. Its behavior is, in many
respects, unlike that of the jelly-forming enzyme here noted, and,
while further examination of fresh material is needed before making
any fuller statement, I think I am sare in announcing that we may
add the papaw latex to the list of plant juices in which the pectase
ferment has been noted.

The odor of the fresh milk is pronounced, and not unlike that of
the latex of the india-rubber tree, and, on the whole, is a disagree-
able one, suggestive ot decayed meat. The taste is somewhat bit-
ter, rather markedly astringent and acrid. When dried by artificial
heat the ferment power is weakened or lost, if dried in the sun it
retains its activity and about 75 per cent, of moisture is separated.

This milky emulsion seems to be secreted for the most part in
fairly large vessels (readily observable by a pocket lens), which lie
just under the epidermis in every part of the plant. In the ripened

Am'ju°iy?i9oiarm"} Story of the Pap aw. 337

fruit it seems to permeate to . all parts of the fleshy portion of the
fruit (somewhat changed in character). The supply of milk in a
vigorous tree- is very abundant. After making several prolonged
incisions in a single fruit, I estimated that an entire tree must con-
tain several hundred ounces, but no such amount can be obtained
by any practical method.

The dried milk of the papaw is an article of commerce, and its
character is dependent upon the method of preparation. The main
source is the crude method of the natives. The* usual proceeding

Selling papaw fruit in the market.

is to make an incision just through the rind of the green fruit ; the
milk flows freely for a short time ; this is caught in a dish, coagu-
lation follows closely, and the milk oozes slowly through the incision
for twenty-four hours or more. If numerous incisions are made in
the fruit, it will, at the end of this time, become y2 an inch thick.
The milk is most abundant after heavy rainfalls, from the first fruits
of the tree, and naturally so from vigorous plants.

The latex, when allowed to dry on the fruit, becomes discolored

338

Story of the Papaw.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

and dark. The lighter-colored and best products are produced when
the coagulated juice is removed as fast as it exudes, spread out thin
and quickly dried.

No advantageous method of gathering the milk has come under
my observation. Some of the difficulties of the present usages can
be imagined by the recollection that in some cases the fruits are
from 20 to 30 feet from the ground. The coagulation allows only a
small yield, requiring constant climbing to make fresh incisions.
The latex yields 25 per cent, of dried material (still containing 6 to
10 per cent, of moisture). Under favorable conditions I extracted 100
grammes of latex from one fruit. One gatherer claimed an average
yield of one pound of dried milk from each tree per year, though
under somewhat adverse conditions it required fifty trees to yield
one pound of dried milk.

OFFICE OF THE MILK AND ENZYME.

The office of this milk in the economy of the papaw is not easy
to explain. Parkin (Pharmaceutical Journal, 1578, page 337) states:
" The most important function of such a latex is that of holding
water in reserve." This seems hardly possible in respect to this
plant because all tissues of the plant are filled with a watery fluid,
so much so that they flow upon cutting, and it is hardly possible
that the tree is dependent upon the milky juice for a supply of
moisture. The native observers suggest that the milk has to do
solely with the ripening of the fruit, and it is true that as the fruit
ripens it is in all parts permeated with the milk, and as a conse-
quence the starch compounds are changed to sugar ; the proteids
are peptonized and the flavor mellowed. But it would seem to be
a prodigious waste of energy if this ripening action was the only
action of the milk and its enzyme contents.11

We do know, however, that this latex is the carrier of enzymes,
and that in plant life certain enzymes play an important part in
incorporating material for the growth of the living substance or of
preparing material brought to it, so that it may be capable of such
incorporation. Again, they bring about decompositions which

11 Assuming that there is at the lowest estimate, 100 ounces of latex in a
tree, we would have twenty ounces of dried material capable of converting
about 3,000 pounds of proteids.

Am-ju^;i?ohiarm-} Story of the Papaw. 339

supply the energy needed for the maintenance of vital processes,
In other words, these enzymes digest and prepare food for plant
life and growth.

J. Reynolds Green has shown that in the process of nutrition in
plants, when the constructive processes are active, an excess of
material is elaborated and deposited in temporary reservoirs. This
material is utilized by a process of digestion brought about by the
agents of enzymes or ferments which are formed to digest these
deposited materials. From many plants we have been able to
separate diastasic, proteolytic, glucosidal, emulsifying and other
ferments.

The papaw is a plant of quick growth. It rapidly appropriates
and converts decaying vegetation. Its best fertilizers have been
found to be dead vegetable and animal matter, house waste, etc*
This suggests that the presence of this abundance of enzymic power
is necessary for the digestion and conversion of plant-food material,
and that the material is prepared for incorporation in the living
plant by the enzymes present in the latex.

The milky juice of the papaw can therefore be imagined as quite
akin to the gastric or pancreatic juice of the animal organism.
The ducts through which this latex flows are possibly digestive
tracts; their contents, an emulsion of partially digested proteid and
other material, under transformation preparatory to ultimate
assimilation.

Corrosive Properties of the Latex. — The corrosive action of the latex
has been recorded ; all species have this property in some degree.
Persons who handle the green fruit in the preparation of pickles are
troubled with raw and bleeding fingers and are forced to abandon
the work. The fresh latex will irritate the mucous membrane and
its continuous use is in some instances very escharotic. This prop-
erty seems more manifest in certain isolated plants of apparently
the same species. This is true not only of the Carica papaya, in
universal cultivation by the natives, but also in other varieties the
fresh juice will blister and cauterize almost instantly. A caustic
property is not unusual in many tropical plants. In the milk of the
papaw it is not due to acid constituents, as it is still present if the
slight acidity is neutralized. It can be removed by chloroform and
ether, and is either removed or destroyed in some of the processes
of separating the ferments (precipitation).

340 Story of the Papaw. {Am"jSy'"i9oiarm*

The corrosive constituent is not volatile and remains in the dried
juice. An examination of many of the preparations sold in our
market under the name of " papain," etc., shows that this corrosive
property had not been altogether removed.

ANALYSIS OF PAPAW LATEX.12

This latex is an emulsion of fats and wax, containing also extrac-
tive matters, albumen and salts, as shown by the following :

CARICA LATEX— SUN-DRIED.

Moisture . 6*o6

Soluble ash 2 "64

Insoluble ash 478

Matters soluble in water (including ash ) 8274

" benzine **.... 11 '43

" ether .... 977

" chloroform 11*20

" acetone 5 98

" alcohol .... . . 7'i6

ASH.

Total ash 7-42

Soluble ash 2*64

Insoluble ash 478

Calcium sulphate — insoluble ash . . 0-896

Calcium phosphate " " 3 72

Silica " " 0*164

Calcium sulphate — soluble ash 1*024

Potassium, sodium, lithium, chlorides and carbonates — soluble

ash 1*616

Chlorine , 0*22

Ferric oxide ... trace

Alcoholic extract (7* 16 per cent.) is colored, astringent and has a
somewhat acrid taste. The concentrated extract is dark brown,
resembling well known solid extracts. Evaporated residue is only
slightly soluble in ether and chloroform, but is partially so in a cold
5 per cent, solution of sodium hydrate. It is further dissolved
upon heating. Alcohol added to this sodium hydrate mixture dis-
solves it completely. Acid added to the aqueous or alcohol alka-
line mixture gives a saponification indicating resins.

Some observers have reported a glucosidal body in the Carica
latex. The usual tests for such substances, when applied to this

12 Owing to the length of this paper, the detailed methods of analysis have
been omitted. In most cases the methods were those in common use.

Am,juiu/;i9ohirrm"} Story of the Pap aw. 341

extract, give negative results. In my hands this extract gave no
indication of tannin, although this substance has been reported as
present in the milk. The acrid resins of the papaw are more or
less extracted by alcohol, but more completely by acetone. The
alcoholic extract is acid to litmus.

In this alcoholic extract the presence of an indicator was
observed. When the extract is somewhat .concentrated, the color
becomes a beautiful pink which is destroyed by sodium hydrate,
added to saturation, and upon concentrating the solution to dry-
ness. The color is not restored by hydrochloric acid. (This color
substance needs further study.)

Ether extract (977 per cent.) is nearly colorless, yielding upon
evaporation a residue resembling white beeswax. This residue is
quite soluble in chloroform, but only partially soluble in benzine or
alcohol. (Soluble in hot alcohol.) The aqueous washings of this
extract give an acid reaction with litmus and a precipitate with lead
acetate.

Chloroform extract (H -20 per cent.) is colorless and slightly tur-
bid. The residue, upon evaporation, is wax-like and hard (much
resembling the residue from the ether extract). This residue is
partially soluble in ether, and almost insoluble in alcohol and
benzine. The aqueous washings from this extract give an acid reac-
tion to litmus.

Acetone extract (5-98 per cent.) is of a yellowish color. The
evaporation residue has a pungent, slightly aromatic odor and a
dark brown color resembling the extract of plants. The residue is
almost wholly soluble in alcohol, chloroform and amylic alcohol ;
but slightly soluble in ether, and insoluble in benzine.13

As the substances removed from the latex by volatile solvents
were in the nature of material foreign to the enzyme, no systematic
examination was made. These solvents do not seem to remove
any proteid compounds save in the case of benzine, which extract
gave a faint proteid reaction.

As a result of a rather hasty examination of these extractions,
we may assume that they contain coloring matter ; " vegetable
extractive matter;" hard and soft waxes; hard and soft resins; a

13 The alcoholic and acetone extracts give slight indications of the presence
of nitrogenous matter by the soda-lime process.

342

Story of the Pap aw.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

volatile resin ; a substance of the nature of fatty acids ; pectose
compounds.14

WATER SOLUBLE CONTENTS.

The dried latex extracted by repeated washings with water gives
8274 per cent, of matter, soluble to a clear greenish-yellow solu-
tion. This watery extract is of acid reaction and responds to the
usual tests for the presence of proteids, such as Millon's rea-
gent; the xanthoproteic and biuret tests, etc.; precipitates are
formed by alcohol, tannin, picric acid, platinum chloride, metaphos-
phoric acid, lead acetate, Mayer's reagent, mercury bichloride,
potassium ferrocyanid and acetic acid. The presence of several
forms of proteid substances is also shown by the following :

The filtered solution (noted above) is rendered turbid by heating
to the boiling point. Upon continued boiling a very fine precipitate
is separated, though this is not abundant. Filtering and further
boiling produces no further precipitation, but the addition of nitric
acid drop by drop gives a heavy flocculent precipitate. The clear
aqueous extraction noted above, slightly acidulated with hydro-
chloric acid and heated, shows a slight turbidity just before reaching
the boiling point. Cooling and the further addition of the acid
produces at once a heavy flocculent precipitate, which dissolves
upon heating and reappears upon cooling.

A solution of sodium carbonate (0-5 per cent.) added to the clear
aqueous extract of the dried latex produces an immediate turbidity
which, upon heating, separates into a small amount of fine precipi-
tate. From these last results it will be seen that the soluble albu-
mins of the latex of the papaw are only partially coagulated by
heat.

When concentrated hydrochloric acid is cautiously added to the
clear watery extract of the latex, there is formed a heavy curdy
precipitate, soluble in an excess of the acid. In a clear aqueous
solution of the latex, concentrated nitric acid pioduces a heavy

14 Malic acid has been noted as being present in the latex of the papaw. The
acid principles of these extracts of the milk when subjected to the usual tests
for malic acid, gave but slight indications of its presence.

The aqueous solution of the latex was examined at length and judging by
the reactions noted in the text-books, and compared with malic acid itself,
the conclusion was reached that no malic acid or malates were present.

Am. Jour. Pharm. )
July. 1901. J

Story of the Pa paw.

343

white precipitate, also soluble in an excess of the acid (proteid
reaction). This precipitate turns yellow and dissolves upon heating
(albumose), but upon cooling is again precipitated. Upon adding
an excess of acid it is completely dissolved and not re-precipitated
when cooled (globulin).

The presence of soluble globulin in an aqueous solution is further
shown in that the precipitate produced by boiling is not soluble in
hydrochloric acid (0-2 per cent.).

The residue left upon the extraction of the dried milk with water

Water method of drying latex of papaw.

is partially soluble in a weak solution of common salt, and the
resulting solution gives a precipitate with nitric acid (globulin).

The watery solution noted above, when rendered slightly acid
(acetic) and boiled, is made turbid, forming small amount of floccu-
lent precipitate (globulin and albumin).

The clear watery extract of the papaw latex, when saturated
with ammonia sulphate, gives an abundant white precipitate with
strong proteid reaction (the precipitate carrying the greater por-
tion of the ferment). The precipitate just noted, freed from the
ammonium sulphate, dissolved in water, made acid with acetic

344

Story of the Pap aw.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

acid, and then saturated with common salt, gives a white floccu-
lent precipitate (primary albumose). After saturation with am-
monium sulphate, the filtrate gives a precipitate, deutero-albumose,
and the supernatant liquid, under the biuret test, shows the pres.
ence of peptones.15 If precipitated by soda-magnesium sulphate, the
filtrate likewise exhibits a strong peptone reaction.16

ANALYSIS OF PAPAW PROTEIDS.

It cannot be said that any of the enzymes have been completely
isolated. The most that can be urged is that the enzymes are
either proteid in character, or are associated with proteid bodies.
In all, or nearly all, attempts to separate the enzyme from the
accompanying proteid, the result has been a destruction of enzymic
power. Again, when in our manipulation of the enzymes we alter
or destroy the character of the proteids which are associated with
them, we alter or destroy the character of the enzyme. While it
cannot be said that the enzyme and the proteid are identical, we
must admit that the enzyme and proteid are most closely associated.

We have abundant authority to show that diastase is associated
with leucosin ; rennin is associated with hetero-proteose ; bromelin
appears in close relation to two forms of proteids, and so on through
the list a close association of the enzyme with a proteid body can be
shown. But it cannot be said that the proteid is actually the
enzyme. So far as our present knowledge goes, an analysis of the
proteid must stand for an analysis of the enzyme.

From the examination of the water-soluble contents of the latex
of the papaw, we may reach the conclusion that the enzyme is
associated with one or more of the soluble proteids. An analysis of
these proteid bodies was therefore made, as follows :

For the purpose of analysis, a portion of the air-dried latex was
extracted with alcohol, benzine and ether, to remove waxes, resins,
etc., the residue consisting of the proteid matters and ash. This
preparation is marked I in the accompanying table.

■ 15 By the digestion of a solution of this peptone with the separated ferment
or with trypsin, leucin and tyrosin appear i indicating hemipeptone |.

16 The classification of the albumoses and peptones is the subj ect of controversy.
The classification here followed is that in most common use. Under another
view we would have in this substance a mixture of globulin, proto and deutero
albumose with, possibly, two or more forms of peptone.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

Story of the Papaw.

345

A second preparation was made by extraction of the milk, as
above, the product dissolved in water and the proteids precipitated
by sodium chloride, and the precipitate partly freed from excess of
salts, by dialysis :

This process was repeated with a view of obtaining an approxi-
mately pure preparation, and one representative of the enzyme of
the latex. This preparation is marked II in the accompanying
table.

PAPAW PROTEIDS.

11.

Air-dry.

Per Cent.

42-8I

6 77

10-09

9-88

6-51

io-83

7 90

Moisture-free.

44"8i

46-84

6-39

10-95

Ash ...

7-06

Moisture-free, ash-free.

50-38

50-01

674

6-87

14-19

11-78

31*34

100*00

100 -oo

The large proportion of mineral ash in the purest preparation

II — is notable and seems to indicate that the proteid constituents
and the ash are most closely associated. Otherwise, we may ob-
serve that the carbon stands in about the same proportion as in
other vegetable proteids. We have, however, a much smaller
amount of nitrogen than is present in most proteids ; but this low
content of nitrogen is quite in accord with the constitution of some
of the enzymes which have been examined. This is shown by the
following comparison :

Nitrogen.
Per Cent.

Bromelin (Chittenden) 10-46

Trypsin (Kuhne) 13-41

Papaw (Kilmer) .11-78

Peptone (Henninger) 16-38

346

Story of the Papaw.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

THE FERMENTS OF THE PAPAW.

The latex of the papaw is notable from the fact that it contains
several soluble enzymes or ferments, or else (if such a thing is pos-
sible) a ferment body with a fourfold power. The ferments so far
noted as contained in the lat^x are :

(1) A proteolytic ferment which decomposes proteids.

(2) A coagulating (rennet-like) ferment which acts upon the
casein of milk.

(3) An amylolytic ferment having the power to attack starch, etc.

(4) A clotting ferment similar to pectase.

(5) A ferment possessing feeble powers of action upon fats.
The digestive action of the latex at the instant of its extraction

from the green fruit is very marked. Placed in contact with such
a substance as blood fibrin in a little water, the fibrin will be dis-
integrated before your eyes; mixed with milk and warmed, the
milk is instantly coagulated. Boiled starch paste is thinned, and
the blue color produced upon starch by iodine is changed to a pur-
ple in a few minutes. Poured over lumps of beef and placed in a
warm place, the meat is softened, its fibres disintegrated, finally
becoming a partially transparent jelly. The action upon cooked
egg albumen is not so marked.

The latex when dried retains these powers in a somewhat lesser
degree. I am of the opinion that the ferments exist in the latex,
and possibly in the cellular structure, as a zymogen (carizymogen).
This presumption is verified from the fact that after the extraction
of the latex or pulp with water (preferably slightly acid or alkaline),
a second maceration will bring a further yield of enzyme. I have
repeated such a process ten times successively, in each instance
bringing a further supply (small in amount) of the ferment into solu-
tion. If a considerable bulk of water (neutral, acid or alkaline) be
added to the latex, and the resulting liquid be filtered and the resi-
due on the filter paper washed with water, the greater portion of
the ferment will be found in the filtrate.

The ferment may be extracted from the dried milk by water or
glycerine (neutral, acid or alkaline), by very dilute alcohol (5- 100);
and from such a solution may be precipitated by any of the usual
methods ; such as an excess of full strength alcohol, saturation with
alkaline salts, etc.

Am-/uTy?iFoiarm-} Story of the Papaw. 347

The following are the most important of the practical methods
of separation. The first three are the methods of Peckholt :

(1) Exhaust the juice with ether ; then exhaust the residue, first
with absolute alcohol and next with 80 per cent, alcohol ; the dried
residue is then treated with water which dissolves it almost entirely,
forming a turbid solution. The watery solution is finally precipi-
tated with alcohol ; the precipitate washed with alcohol, and dried
over calcium chloride. Peckholt obtained by this process 7-848
per cent, of a white, light amorphous powder which he called
" papayotin."

(2) Mix the juice with four times its weight of water; filter, and
precipitate with alcohol (95 per cent.); wash and dry the precipi-
tate. This gives 3-762 per cent, of a product practically the same
as (1) but not quite so light.

(3) Evaporate the latex to dryness and then completely exhaust
with ether and alcohol (absolute), as in the first method. Dissolve
the residue in water and precipitate with alcohol. The result
being a light brown powder of which Peckholt obtained 5-338 per
cent. (He called this " parapayotin.")

(4) Wurtz prepared the ferment as follows : The milky juice
was thrown on a filter and the coagulum washed with water. The
aqueous solution then obtained was reduced to a small volume in a
vacuum, and was precipitated by ten times its volume of alcohol.
This precipitate was dried, dissolved in water and precipitated a
second time with alcohol, washed with absolute alcohol and dried
in a vacuum. The product of this process he called " papain."

(5) A method now in actual use in one of the West India Islands
is as follows : Pour into the strained latex five times its volume of
full strength alcohol, collect the precipitate and wash with absolute
alcohol ; dry over calcium chloride or sulphuric acid. (There is a
considerable loss of alcohol ; the product is small, fairly active, but
high priced.)

(6) Method devised by the author : Dry the latex without
heat ; exhaust the dry residue first with ether, then with chloro-
form, followed by benzine ; finally extract with alcohol. Under
this process, if the extraction is thoroughly carried out, everything is
removed except the proteids and ash. The product is a fine grey-
white amorphous powder almost completely soluble in water, more
active and more nearly representative of the peculiar properties of

348

Story of the Papazv.

Am. Jour. Pharai.
July, 1901.

the latex than the product resulting from any other method which
has come under my observation.

(7) Salt-precipitation method. The well-known methods of
precipitation by alkaline salts are applicable to the separation of
the papaw ferments. The latex diluted with water or the dried
latex extracted with water (filtered), when saturated with sodium
chloride, with ammonium sulphate or with magnesium sulphate,
will yield a heavy precipitate of the proteid contents carrying the
greater portion of the ferments. Such precipitates may be freed
from salts by subjecting their solution to dialysis, the resulting solu-
tion (and precipitated residue) are then to be evaporated to dryness.

The yield from these salt-precipitation methods is small, but, if
the processes are carefully performed, furnish a satisfactory product,
weaker however in action than those prepared by the method out-
lined in the preceding section.

Something like thirty methods for separation have been tried in
my researches with the result that all methods where precipitation
is involved, tend to weaken the digestive power of the ferment.
Ihe metrods used in the separation of pepsin whereby a purified
and high power pepsin is produced, are as follows: Digestion of
the proteid constituents, precipitation and purification of the pro-
duct do not seem to be applicable to the papaw.

If the proteids of the papaw are digested by the aid of the con-
tained ferments in either acid, neutral or alkaline fluids, and a
separation and purification then made, the resulting product is de-
creased, and the digestive power is not increased ; in fact, unless
the process is most carefully performed, the absolute power of the
ferment is greatly weakened.

It has been stated that the ferments of the papaw are chiefly as-
sociated with one of its protei \ constituents.17

I have never been able to verify this statement. When any of
the various forms of proteids are separated by the processes else-
where outlined, heat or coagulation excepted, the separated body
will be found to possess ferment power. Even the peptone remain-
ing after separation of the albumoses exhibits feeble ferment powers.
The ferment action seems to be the most marked when all of the
proteids are associated together in their natural form.

( To be continued.')

17 Martin believed the ferment to be associated with the proteid which he
termed B Phytoalbumose.

Amjiiy,ri9o?arm'} The " Hofmann Hans." 349

THE « HOFMANN HAUS."

By H. V. Arny, Ph.D.

On October 20, 1900, the German Chemical Society dedicated,
with appropriate ceremonies, the magnificent building erected in
Berlin as a memorial to the great pioneer in the aniline industry
and the famed teacher of chemistry, A. W. von Hofmann.

The building, designed as a home for the German Chemical
Society and kindred organizations and as a hospice for sojourning
foreign chemists, is located at Sigismundstrasse 4, and is a four,
storied fire proof structure with a twenty-two meter front of Silesian
sandstone, with two ornamental iron bow windows projecting from
the second and third stories respectively, and with a red-tiled man-
sard roof. The ground floor is occupied by janitor's quarters and
by a research laboratory. The second floor front contains offices
of the society, while the third floor front is devoted to the library
and committee rooms.

The rear part of the building is given up to an assembly hall,
contains 254 seats arranged in tiers, rising level with the third
story, the lecture counter being flush with the second floor. The
top floors of the building are fitted up as offices and as store build,
ings. The entire edifice is lighted with electricity, contains an
electric elevator and is heated with hot water. This structure and
the lot on which it stands represents an expenditure of 575,000
marks.

A full account of the enterprise was contained in a special issue
of the Berichte of the Society, published at the beginning of this
year, and from it we can glean several lessons of value in the con-
sideration of the proposed Procter Memorial. The figures will be
given, as in the original, in German Reichsmarks, the equivalent in
dollars being easily reckoned by dividing by four.

The financial commencement of the enterprise was the occasion of
Hofmann's seventieth birthday, when his admirers raised a purse of
39,000 marks. Seven thousand marks of this was expended on a
bust of the master ; the remaining 32,000 marks being handed
Hofmann as a jubilee purse. The recipient, with his characteristic
generosity, augmented the amount with 8,000 marks of his own
means and returned it to the committee with the request that it be
called the Hofmann fund and used for the advancement of chemical
science.

350

The u Hofmann Hans.

Am. Jour. Pharrn.
July, 1901.

Hofmann died May 5, 1892, and immediately the German Chem-
ical Society decided on a memorial to the eminent chemist, using
the Hofmann fund, which, during the four years, had grown to
65,000 marks, as a nucleus.

The first call for subscriptions was dated November 12, 1892, and
in response, 85,000 marks were subscribed by December 1st of
same year. From then until October 1, 1893, 79,000 marks more
were collected and during the ensuing fifteen months, up to January
I, 1895, additional subscriptions amounting to 12,000 marks were
received. On May 12, 1896, three and a half years after issuance
of the original appeal, the committee reported that flie subscrip-
tions and interest on same amounted to 176,000 marks.

The committee, having planned a memorial costing 800,000
marks, though sorely disappointed at the apparent failure of their
hopes, renewed their efforts and succeeded during the next six
months in bringing the fund up to 229,000 marks.

In December, 1896, they purchased a site for the building for
275,000 marks, covering the deficit by drawing on the original
Hofmann fund. They then formed a stock company, capitalized for
300,000 marks, for the erection of the building, issuing bonds of
5,000 and 10,000 marks value, bearing 3^ per cenc. interest.
These bonds were bought by German chemical corporations and
others, and of the 300,000 marks thus subscribed, bonds amounting
to 140,000 marks were returned to the corporation, all claims of
payment of both principal and interest being waived by the gener-
ous subscribers, on occasion of the dedication of the building.

This leaves a debt of 160,000 marks, secured by a mortgage on
the property, and which it is hoped will be paid off by legacies.
One such has been announced — Commercienrath T. F. Holtz,
Treasurer of the German Chemical Society and the most indefatig-
able member of the memorial committee, having expressed the
intention of giving 30,000 marks.

The interest on the bonds will be met by the rental on the
property paid by the several organizations having their home in the
building.

An analysis of the subscription list may prove interesting.

The total amount, 236,751 marks, was obtained from 1,350 sub-
scribers, whose gifts ranged from 20,000 marks to 50 pfennig (12
cents); 244 contributors furnishing 221,850 marks.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

The " Hofmann Hails.

351

The several large donations'are as follows, the names of the donors
known on this side of the water being given in brackets. These do
not include the cancelled bonds of 10,000 and 5,000 marks each,
total 140,000 marks contributed by nineteen persons. Besides
these there were two gifts of 20,000 marks each, from two dyestuff
corporations; one of 10,000 marks, four of 6,000 marks (Fahlberg
and Tiemann) ; six of 5,000 marks; five of 3,000 marks (Bayer of
Elberfeld); two of 2,500 marks, eight of 2,000 marks (Bayer of
Elberfeld, Schering of Berlin, Fischer of Berlin); eight of 1,500
marks (Schering) ; twenty-seven of 1000 marks (German Soda
Works, German Solvay Works, German Explosive Works, Kalle
of Biebricb, Knorr, Pintsch and Siemens of Berlin); two of 800
marks; five of 600 marks; thirty-one of 500 marks; four of 400 marks ;
fourteen of 300 marks; five of 250 marks; twenty-nine of 200
marks, and ninety of 100 marks. It may be interesting to note
that a collection was taken up in practically every chemical labora-
tory in Germany, thus giving each student an opportunity of con-
tributing his mite.

Among special contributions not enumerated above may be
mentioned a gift of 7,000 marks for fitting up the library, from Pro-
fessor Harries of Berlin ; a large number of books and apparatus
from various German firms in that line of business; a marble statue
of Hofmann, for which fifty-seven subscribers donated 14,475 marks ;
and Hofmann's library, given by his widow.

In conclusion, it will be seen that the raising of funds necessary
for so expensive a structure as the " Hofmann Haus " was accom-
plished only after herculean efforts, it taking eight years to collect
376,000 marks and even then there is left a debt of 160,000 marks.
Let those in charge of the Procter Memorial bear this in mind and
let them therefore plan more moderately than did their German
confreres.

On the other hand, if the German chemical interests freely gave
236,000 marks for a memorial possessing largely the nature of a
club house ; there seems no reason why the American drug trade
should not raise $50,000 for an undertaking of such far-reaching
importance as a research laboratory.

352

Pumpkin Seed Oil.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

PUMPKIN SEED OIL.

By Wizard Graham, P.D.

Pumpkin Seed Oil as found in commerce varies in quality and is
generally, if not always, obtained by the use of a solvent. The
expressed oil is not used to any great extent, as the extracted oil is
cheaper.

A quantity of whole seeds were ground and extracted with
acetone ; the acetone being recovered by distillation. The yield
was 25 per cent, of an oil having the following properties :

A clear reddish limpid liquid having an agreeble odor and taste, a
specific gravity of 0 9208 at 1 50 C, saponification number 192- 5, acid
number 18-9, ether number 173 6, soluble in all proportions of
carbon disulphide, ether, chloroform and in twenty parts of absolute
alcohol, drying on standing to a tough yellowish transparent
mass.

A commercial oil was obtained and on examination gave the
following results :

A clear reddish liquid of an agreeable odor and taste, having a
specific gravity of 0-9197 at 1 50 C, saponification number 195-2,
acid number 3-5, ether number 191-7, soluble in all proportions of
carbon disulphide, ether, chloroform, and in twenty parts of abso-
lute alcohol.

The above oils having been obtained by extraction it was deemed
desirable to examine an oil obtained by expression, but after sub.
jecting a quantity of ground seeds to a pressure of 3,000 pounds, no
appreciable quantity of oil was secured on account of the porous
condition of the seeds.

Benedikt and Lewkowitsch in their " oils, fats and waxes " de-
scribe it as an oil expressed from the seed of Cucurbita Pepo, specific
gravity at 150 C, 09231, saponification number 1 88- 1, iodine value
121, solidifying point — I5°C, melting point of mixed fatty acids
28° C.

Caryone Content of Volatile Oils. — According to Kremers { Jour.
Soc. Ch. Ind., January 31, 1901,) the determination of the carvone content of
volatile oils, containing this ketone, as carvoxime, while by no means perfect,
is unquestionably a step in the right direction, the one great advantage be-
ing that a definite crystalline compound is weighed.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

Reaction for Morphine.

353

THE LLOYD REACTION FOR MORPHINE.1

By Joseph L. Mayer, Phar.D.

Contribution from the Chemical Laboratory of the Brooklyn College of

Pharmacy.

Since the publication of the installment of Professor Lloyd's
" Stringtown on the Pike," which had to do with the trial scene,
tests and results, the journals have contained in almost every issue
contributions which in one way or another relate to the well-known
bichromate sulphuric, strychnine reaction.

Prominent among those who have contributed articles on the
subject is Mr. Seward Williams, who in the April number of the
Druggists Circular elaborates his previous discussion concerning
the possibility of mistaking a morphine-hydrastine mixture for
strychnine.

He concludes that " the moral of the story is not to place too
much reliance on any one of the generally recognized evidences of
organic poisons."

In going over the reactions he finds that the morphine-hydrastine
mixture with a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid, will, even
in the absence of potassium bichromate, produce the violet-blue
color which so nearly simulates the characteristic strychnine reac-
tion that Professor Lloyd yielded to the temptation to make it the
theme of one of the most powerful climaxes of his deservedly
popular novel.

As a consequence Mr. Williams proposes that " we shall add to
our list of alkaloid color-tests the two just mentioned and know
them as the Lloyd reactions for morphine and hydrastine, if agree-
able to Professor Lloyd."

If the unknown substance is suspected to be morphine, add a small
a mountof hydrastine and a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid ;
a violet-blue color appearing after five minutes indicates morphine.

If hydrastine is suspected, add to the sample a small amount of
morphine and a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid ; a violet-
blue color after five minutes indicates hydrastine.

As a matter of fact, modern methods followed in toxicological

1 Read at the annual meeting of the New York State Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion, June 4-S, '9or, and communicated by the author.

354

Reaction for Morphine.

A.m. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

analysis have so taken advantage of the solubility of the alkaloids
in the solvents employed in their separation, that even if some
color reactions are common to several alkaloids, unless these alka-
loids are separated in the same step in the examination, the chances
of error are minimized.

It is the possibility of making an error that emphasizes the
necessity of having an unlimited number of tests of identity.
Experiments recently made, prove that chloroform will dissolve out
of a solution sufficient morphine and hydrastine to react violet-
blue with concentrated sulphuric acid and potassium bichromate.

While it is true that the reaction differs from that obtained with
strychnine in persisting some time, instead of being evanescent, it
is plain to see how a mistake might easily be made.

Had " Professor Drew," the chemist in " the Stringtown poison-
ing case," been more observant, and applied other tests than the
bichromate one, his testimony would not have supplied the power-
ful link it did, in the prosecution's strong chain of circumstantial
evidence. Tests of identity and confirmatory ones are not only
necessary in examinations of this character, but are required by the
pharmacist to enable him to identify the alkaloids he purchases
and dispenses. For example, the United States Pharmacopoeia re-
quires that quinine " should not produce a red color with nitric
acid (difference from morphine)."

These facts suggested to the writer, that if hydrastine when
mixed with any alkaloid other than morphine, in the presence of
concentrated sulphuric acid, after five minutes' stirring failed to pro-
duce the violet-blue color, the reaction would be a valuable addi-
tion to the tests for differentiating morphine from other alkaloids.

The following are the results of the experiments I made to deter-
mine this question.

The conditions and method of applying the tests were alike
throughout, and consisted in mixing approximately one part of
hydrastine with eight parts of the other alkaloid.

After the addition of a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid
the mixture was stirred with a glass rod for at least five minutes.
In view of the fact that many alkaloids give colorations for the
first few minutes which are totally different from the end reaction,
the direction to " stir at least fives minutes " must be strictly
observed.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

Reaction for Morphine.

355

The alkaloids operated upon, those most likely to be found in the
drug store were the purest obtainable.

The following table gives the colors produced by stirring the
alkaloids named with hydrastine and concentrated sulphuric acid
for five minutes :

Aconitine ..... Brown.

Atropine Pinkish.

Berberine Greenish-brown.

Brucine Light-brown.

Caffeine Dirty-white.

Cinchonine Dirty-yellow.

Cinchonidine Dirty-white.

Cocaine Unaffected.

Codeine Pinkish.

Digitaline Mahogany.

Heroin Violet to purple.

Homatropine Pale-yellow.

Hyoscyamine Dirty-white.

Morphine ...... Violet-blue.

Pilocarpine Light-brown.

Quinidine Light-green.

Quinine . . . .' Greenish-yellow.

Sparteine Greenish-yellow.

Strychnine Dirty-white.

Veratrine Royal purple.

An analysis of these results shows that but three out of the
twenty samples examined give a violet-blue color under the above
conditions, viz., heroin, morphine and veratrine.

Among this number only one gives a cherry-red color with cold
concentrated sulphuric acid, viz., veratrine.

The remainining two are differentiated by nitric acid; an orange-
red color indicates morphine and a yellow color heroin.

When we consider the sharpness of the reaction with the simplic-
ity and ease of application, it becomes apparent that Lloyd's test
for morphine is one worthy of a place among the alkaloidal color
reactions.

Fully realizing the importance attaching to the necessity of sub-
jecting as many alkaloids as possible to the test, the writer regrets
exceedingly that the number at his disposal was so limited, but
hopes in the near future to report on those not included in the pres-
ent work.

356

Aniseed Oils, and AnethoL

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
I July, 1901.

THE ANISEED OILS, AND ANETHOL1

By George R. Pancoast, M.D., and Lyman F. Kebi,er, Ph.C,

Aniseed oil is one of the oldest of essential oils known, having
been observed as early as the sixteenth century. On account of its
being a grateful aromatic and a mild carminative it: has received
general recognition by the various pharmacopoeias. The 1880
U.S.P. recognized, and the 1898 Br. Phar. at present recognizes,
both the oils distilled from Anise and Illicium. The former states that
Oil of Illicium has nearly the same properties as oil of Anise,
except that it congeals at about 2° C. while the latter recognizes a
difference in the solubility in alcohol. The 1 890 U.S.P. recognizes
only the oil distilled from Pimpinella Anisum L. (Nat. Ord. Umbelli-
ferae). Why this restriction has been made is not apparent. The
plant originally came from Egypt and the Levant, but on account
of its usefulness, importance, and ease of production, it is now culti-
vated in nearly all parts of the world. Russia at present is the
largest producer of oil, not solely because it grows the greatest
quantity of seed (about 3,000 tons annually) but rather because the
seed is of inferior quality and is of little value except for oil. Spain
has of late years produced about 1,500 tons per annum, and Turkey
not far from this amount ; but these two countries produce large,
pure seed of such fine quality as to commercially preclude its use
for oil.

Seed from various sources will yield from 1 y2 to 6 per cent, of
oil. In some localities, stems, chaff and even the leaves are added
to the fruit before distillation. Chaff yields about ]/2 per cent, of
oil.

The physical properties of aniseed oil have been thoroughly in-
vestigated and are as follows ; at, or above 200 C. it is a colorless or
pale yellowish, strongly refractive liquid, of a characteristic odor and
sweetish, mildly aromatic, taste. At or about + I5° C. it solidifies
into a snow-white crystalline mass, called by some " flat tablets "
and a^ain becomes completely liquid at from -f 18 to -f 200 C. An
oil that requires a temperature below -j- 15 0 C. for congealing
should be looked upon with suspicion. The specific gravity of a
fresh oil is 0-980 to 0-990 at 170 C. increasing with age ; due to the

1 Read before the Pennsjdvania State Pharmaceutical Association, June,
1901, and communicated by the authors.

Amjuiyiri9Qarm'} Aniseed Oils, and Ancthol 357

formation of anisaldehyde, amsic acid and polymeric anethols. The
plane of polarized light is turned slightly to the left up to i° 50
minutes. It is clearly soluble in an equal volume of alcohol and
the resulting solution should not assume a blue or brown tint on
the addition of a drop of solution of iron chloride (absence of phe-
nol). With age the oil becomes more readily soluble in alcohol.

The principal constituents are anethol, 80 to 90 per cent., and
methylchavicol, an optically inactive body having the odor of
aniseed oil, but lacking its sweet taste.

For the various adulterants found from time to time and
methods of detecting the same, see a former paper by the authors,
in American Journal of Pharmacy, 73, 1, entitled " Adulterations
of Essential Oils."

Before taking a sample for examination, the contents of the can
should be thoroughly liquid and well agitated so as to get a repre-
sentative sample.

Aniseed oil, it is said, can only be distinguished from star anise
by the odor and taste. Various other distinguishing tests have
been suggested, but none have proved satisfactory. It is probably
due largely to the close similarity of the two oils, and the difference
in price, that the former has been largely displaced by the latter ;
which is derived from the fruit of Illicium verum, H. (Nat. Ord.
Magnoliaceae). The new German Pharmacopoeia has met the exist-
ing conditions very well in that it recognized neither of the oils, but
their chief constituent, anethol. Whether such a step is a good one,
time alone can tell.

Star anise oil is practically controlled by the Chinese. At the
source of distillation it is placed into tin cans holding from 32 to 35
catties (42 to 46 pounds) and shipped to Hong Kong or other
prominent markets, from whence it is sent out in lead canisters
holding jy2 kilos. Some of the star anise oil is sent through Ton-
quin, the French centre of distribution. The construction of the
canisters is not the most convenient, for readily emptying, without
loss. The following precedure works very satisfactorily. Cut a
round hole into the centre of the canister, through the seal, make
this opening perfectly smooth and round by means of a reamer; into
this opening insert a double perforated cork, carrying in one open-
ing a siphon-shaped glass tubing, of suitable size and length, armed
with a piece of rubber tubing at both ends, the rubber piece inside
the container is about an inch long, and the one outside a foot

358 Aniseed Oils, and Anethol. {Amjuiy,ri9Po?arm'

long. Into the other opening insert a straight glass tube. The
apparatus is now ready tor use. Slightly elevate the canister, place
a receiver under the long rubber tubing and start the siphon by
blowing into the short glass tube. The canister is thus quickly
emptied without loss. The small quantity of oil remaining, can
readily be removed by draining.

The physical properties of this oil are about the same as those
for aniseed, the slight variations having been noted above.

The composition of star anise oil appears to be somewhat more
complex than that of anise oil.

Many adulterants have been reported by the various investiga-
tors, but at present only those of a more scientific character are met.
Kerosene seems to have been used largely at one time, but the
writers never met with any in this oil. It might be interesting,
however, to record a few observations made with this adulterant.

Schimmel's Report, April, 1897, P- contains the following :

Specific Gravity Congealing Solubility in alcohol,
at 150 C Point.

Pure Oil . . 0-986 + 18° C. Soluble in 2-2 and more parts

Oil-f- 5 per cent, kerosene 0*978 + 16X0 C. Not soluble in 10 parts

" +10 " " " 0-970 +i4^°C. " " " "

J. C. Umney reported the following observations ; Chem. and
Drug., Vol. 51 (1887), p. 623 :

Specific Gravity Congealing Contained,
at 150 C Point.

1 0*894 -f- 5'7° C. 56 per cent of Kerosene

2 0*926 + 970 C. 37

3 0-939 +n-5°C. 36

4 0-920 • + 8-8° C. 41 " " "

5 0-910 + 7'8° C. 47

The above data were obtained from star anise oil of the London
market.

The authors have recently examined a number of samples of the
various aniseed oils offered as pure, with the following results :

Source. Specific Gravity. Optical Congealing Solubility in

Rotation. Point. equal volume

of alcohol.

1 Russian .... 0-9838 at 170 C. + 30 5o/ + 15° C. Soluble

2 . . . . 0-9893 " 200 C. —40 59' + 1 8° C.

3 Tonquin . . . 0*9834 " 170 C. — i° 30/ + 170 C.

4 Star Anise . . 0-9648 " 170 C. — i° 27' + 150 C.

5 - • 0-9870 " 170 C. + o° 58' + 160 C.

6 . . 0-9822 " 170 C. —i° 53' +I5-5°C.

7 • • 0-9821 " 170 C. —i° 3ir + 14-5° C.

8 . . 0-9832 " 170 C. . — 1° 447 + 14° C.

9 . . 0-9832 " 170 C. — i° 447 4- 14° C.

AmjJuiy"i9JoLainJ-} Aniseed Oils, and Anethol. 359

Oils Nos. I and 2 have undoubtedly been tampered with. The
disturbed optical rotation of No. 1 is probably due to added oil of
fennel, or some of its derivatives. What the disturbing factor of
No. 2 is, the authors are unable to conjecture. No. 8 is also abnor-
mal, due probably to the same added impurities as No. i,or possi-
bly added star anise leaf oil, which has a specific gravity of 0-9878
at 1 50 C. and an optical rotation of -\- i°. The anethol content of
star anise leaf oil is small, and the congealing point correspondingly
low. It has been called " Liquid star anise oil " and has no practi-
cal value, except as an adulterant.

Oils are occasionally met with, having a low congealing point,
yet are not adulterated. These are the " Flower Oils." They are
obtained from a mixture of natural and artificially ripened seeds ;
i. e., the branches are gathered before the fruit is all ripe so as to
hasten the ripening of the green seeds. Such oils cannot be con-
sidered equal to an oil made entirely from prime seed.

ANETHOL.

The present German Pharmacopoeia describes anethol as a color-
less, highly refractive liquid, of a pure anise odor, and of intensely
sweetish taste; specific gravity at 25 0 0.0-984 to 0-086; melting
point, 4- 200 to -J- 210 C; boiling point 2320 to 2340 C. and must
form a clear solution with two parts of alcohol.

Several samples examined by the writers yielded :

Specific Gravity. Optical Congealing Boiling
Rotation. Point. Point.

A 0-9895 at 20° C. inactive 170 C. 210-2350 C.

B 0-9896 at 200 C. — i° 30' + 200 C. 220-2350 C.

C 1-0525 at 15° C. — 20 i8/ 228-2450 C.

D 0-9870 at 200 C. + 50 22/ + 200 C. 229-236° C.

E • • 0-9847 at 200 C. inactive + 190 C 210-235° C.

All are soluble in an equal volume of alcohol. A, B and E are
of fair quality and comply fairly well with the above requirements,
but anethol is generally considered optically inactive. C and D were
labeled liquid anethol. We are informed that this is a redistilled
oil of anise, prepared from the regular anise oil of the market. Liquid
anethol is therefore a misnomer. It is desirable here to remark that
C was an old sample and its original physical properties may have
changed. D appears to be "anethol " derived from oil of fennel.

Laboratory of Smith, Kline & French Co.

360

Correspondence.

( Am. Jour. PLarm.
1 July, 1901.

CORRESPONDENCE.

WOOD ALCOHOL.

Editor American Journal of Pharmacy :

Permit me a word on the use of wood alcohol for heating purposes,,
spoken favorably of in a recent number of the Journal. Unques-
tionably methyl alcohol is a cheaper fuel than grain spirit. It costs
less and generates, weight for weight, more heat. However, its use
is attended sometimes with inconveniences that must be taken into
consideration. From its greater volatility it is even more danger-
ously inflammable than ordinary alcohol. On account of this vola-
tility, also, there is much greater waste in its use, the loss from
evaporation in storing being more considerable and control of the
rate of combustion in ordinary spirit lamps being more difficult.

When burned in the safety spirit lamps, in which the fluid is ab-
sorbed by asbestos covered by brass wire gauze, the metal of the
gauze is rapidly corroded, as shown by the deep green or blue color
imparted to the flame, and a brass kettle heated over the flame be-
comes quickly tarnished. As a fuel, therefore, for use at the tea
table, wood spirit cannot be recommended, at least where brass
utensils are employed.

A. B. Lyons.

PROCTER MEMORIAL.1

Dear Sir : — In a former communication I expressed the idea that
some monument in memory of William Procter, Jr., would be the
most appropriate memorial of his life and work. If he could have
been consulted about the matter he would have said, " Let it be a
Research Laboratory," and so, perhaps, we owe something to his
known preferences. If the necessary funds can be obtained and
arrangements made for the permanent maintenance of a research
laboratory, it seems to me it would be a most fitting monument to

1 For other information and correspondence on this subject, see November,
1900, and February, March, April, May and June issues of this Journal.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
July, 1901.

Correspondence.

361

his memory. I can see a number of difficulties that will have to be
overcome in the conduct of such an establishment, but without
doubt these can all be overcome.

The Faculty and Directors of the Philadelphia College of Phar-
macy would, it seems to me, be the proper persons to be entrusted
with the carrying out of this project by reason of his association
with its early history, and Philadelphia being the city in which his
life-work was done ; and I see no reason why a national monument
should not, in this way, be cared for by the mother of all the col-
leges in the United States.

W. M. Searby.

San Francisco, Cal.

Dear Sir: — Replying to your letter of April 4th, in which you
state that it may be possible to establish a research laboratory at the
fiftieth anniversary of the A. Ph. A,, I have to say that I am greatly
pleased at this outcome of the discussion, and if there is anything
I can do to further the scheme by encouraging sentiment in favor, I
should be very glad. I hope that the research laboratory will in-
clude various kinds of pharmacological work, will not confine itself
to strictly chemical study, but will embrace physiological pharma-
cology, which has grown to be so important to the physician espe-
cially, but to the pharmacist as well.

Anything that we can do in this laboratory on the broad lines of
medical and pharmaceutical science for the benefit of human society,
should meet with hearty approval, and should have the co-operation
of all interested in medical science in any of its branches.

L. E. Sayre.

Lawrence, Kan.

Dear Sir :— Your agreeable communication of recent date, rela-
tive to the project of a Procter Memorial, and asking for an expres-
sion of opinion thereon, has been duly considered, and we beg to
state as follows :

Believing, as we do, in a glorious future for American pharmacy,
and in the eminent value of the instrumentality of the American
Pharmaceutical Association in promoting that consummation, we
quite agree with the proposition conveyed in your editorial in the
American Journal of Pharmacy of November last, that the fiftieth
a> niversary of the Association be commemorated by some act of

362

Correspondence.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
(. July, 1901.

historic significance, worthy and expressive of the high mission of
that organization.

Recognizing also the distinctive prominence of the late Professor
Procter as a pioneer, guide and leader in the evolution of pharma-
ceutic science and practice on this continent, we deem it likewise
proper that the above-indicated commemorative act should bear his
name and thereby serve to perpetuate and honor his memory.

As to those forms suggested for this Memorial, on the feasibility
of which no doubts have been expressed, we incline to side with the
view variously supported in your correspondence columns, that
neither the Statue nor the Medal plan would be sufficiently remi-
niscent of the modest bearing, assiduous toil, and self-denying devo-
tion to a noble cause, which characterized the great pharmacist
whom it is desired to honor. In what we are informed to have been
his spirit, the General Scholarship plan would, among the admittedly
practicable suggestions so far put forth, appear to us to claim first
place.

Merck & Co.

New York City.

Dear Sir: — Replying to your esteemed favor of the 5th inst.,
relative to " memorializing the life and work of Prof. William Proc-
ter, Jr.," it seems to me we should try to combine sentiment with
utility. Sentiment, to satisfy the desires of the heart towards one
we love and have lost, and utility, to perpetuate the memory of the
departed.

In the lecture room, where he was wont to teach, to give up the
best part of the results of his untiring labors among those he loved
and was loved by — there, where the happiest and best years of his
life were spent, let there be erected a beautiful white marble tablet,
bearing " en relief," a bronze (bust size) profile, elegantly done —
true to life — with a proper dedication embodying his worth as a
man, pharmacist and friend ; also the affectionate regard of those
(students, etc.) erecting said tablet — so much for the sentiment
portion — a just tribute to a great and good man, upon the spot of
his well-earned honors.

Now, as to the utility portion — every year, let there be conferred,
jointly by members of the A. Ph. A. and Philadelphia College of
Pharmacy — a free tuition, in the name of Prof. William Procter, Jr.,
for the degree of pharmacist (Ph.G.) in the Philadelphia College of

AmjJu°iy,;'i9ohrm-} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 363

Pharmacy, upon some worthy lad who lacks the means. * * *
I think Prof. William Procter, Jr., would have been well pleased
with this.

The research laboratory idea is all right, but it had better be left
to those with unstinted means; this is more a labor of love than vain
glory and should be made up of contributions like unto the widow's
mite.

We want something simple, impressive and lasting, dignified and
true to the purpose. Anything involving a large expenditure will
either not be realized or only create an opening for would-be gen-
iuses. . Prof. William Procter, Jr., and his memory would be lost in
the refulgence cast by the halos around the heads of " Research
Laboratory " workers.

Let us love and honor the man for his many cardinal virtues,
but in such a way that his, and only his, memory get the full benefit.
I have no use for these double-edged schemes, which are like unto
the Spanish proverb which says : " He who asks for God, asks for
two." (A reference made to the pious monks asking charity.)

Brooklyn, N. Y.

E. FOUGERA.

RECENT LITERATURE RELATING TO PHARMACY.

BACTERICIDAL ACTION OF PAINTS.

Cultures of various pathogenic bacilli — such as those of diphtheria,
cholera and typhoid — transferred to freshly painted surfaces of wood,
tinplate and earthenware, and observed under various conditions of
time and temperature, were destroyed in every case, as shown by
the inability to produce new cultures from the experimental mate-
rial. That the destruction was not due to chemicals was shown by
the fact that the same cultures thrived in 1 per cent, solutions of
magnesium chloride and of arsenous acid.

The writer, noting that linseed oil paints were the best germicides
and also that all such paints, on drying, react to ozone paper, con-
cludes that the antiseptic action of paints is due to the formation of
ozone in the oxidation of drying oils. (M.Piorkowski, Bericht. dtsch.
Ph. Ges., 1901, 85).

H. V. Arny.

364 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. {Am-/uw%iavm-

FUNGICIDAL ACTION OF VOLATILE OILS.

Interesting to compare with above is an article by T. Borkorny
{Ph. Cent., 1 90 1, 159, and 172) in which he reports elaborate experi-
ments on the destruction of mould (Schimmelpilz) and putrefaction
bacteria with ethereal oils and their derivatives, drawing therefrom
interesting conclusions as to chemical structure and relative tox-
icity. Quoting Loew's classification of toxicological action, in which
he assumes that death of organisms by poison is due to the chem-
ical decomposition of the protoplasm — be it by complete dissocia-
tion, or by formation of substitution products.

The writer cites the following oils as most toxic to mould, deduc-
ing the reason for toxicity from their chemical structure.

First comes eugenol, a phenol, and all phenols form substitution
products with the protoplasmic constituents. It likewise contains
an allyl group — CH = CH2, and all unsaturated groups are more
poisonous than the corresponding saturated body. Thus allyl
mustard oil is much more toxic than ethyl mustard oil. Second in
antiseptic nature is cinnamic aldehyde, C6H5CH = CH CHO, which
is toxic because of its CHO group. Aldeyhdes are more toxic than
their corresponding alcohols (note antiseptic action of formaldehyde,
as compared to its congener, methyl alcohol) because, according to
Loew, they react with the amido groups found in the protoplasm.
Cinnamic aldehyde, moreover, contains the unsaturated group —
CH = CH — which contributes to its toxic action. Salicylic aldehyde,
C6H4CHO, is more toxic to fungi than its alcohol, saligenin, or its
oxidation product, salicylic acid, again showing influence of the
aldehyde group. Lastly, all bodies containing the phenyl group,
C6H5, show more toxic character than corresponding substances of
the marsh gas series. H. V. A.

CLARIFICATION OF ALBUMINOUS URINE.

The clearing of urine prior to testing for albumin is sometimes
difficult, and such foreign bodies as magnesia, aluminum hydrate,
red lead or talc, have been recommended for the purpose. All,
however, carry down considerable albumin, hence are not advised.
Infusorial earth is the least objectionable clarifying agent, and even
this should be used in small amounts only, not exceeding y2 per
cent. After all, shredded filter paper is the most reliable clarifying
agent.— (Dr. Grutzner, Ph. Zt., 1901, 78.) H. V. A.

•Am-Juiuyr;i9fi?rm'} Reviews and Bibliographical Notices. 365

POISONOUS STAR ANISE.

C. Hartwich (Schw. Wochenschr. Ch. und P/l, 1901, 107) finds
star anise of Swiss commerce contains 10 to 20 per cent, of the
poisonous fruit of Illicium religiosum. He calls attention to the
means of detection suggested by Lenz. (See this Journal, 1900,
75)- H. V. A.

REVIEWS AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
A Handbook of Materia Medica, Pharmacy and Therapeutics,
including the posological action of drugs, the special therapeutics of
disease, official and practical pharmacy, and minute directions for
prescription writing. By Samuel O. L. Potter. Eighth Edition,
Revised and Enlarged. Philadelphia : P. Blakiston's Son & Co.
The new edition contains 950 pp. octavo, Price, in Cloth, $5 00;
in Sheep, $6.00.

This well-known, comprehensive and commendable work has again
been subjected to a thorough and critical revision, has been largely
rewritten, and has been expanded by the introduction of much new
matter. The latter has to some extent taken the place of material
considered obsolete or comparatively unimportant, so that the in-
creased size of the book over the previous edition is only twenty
pages.

In the section on Materia Medica the following articles have been
rewritten : Argentum, Cinchona, Coca, Coffea, Digitalis, Dulcin,
Ergot, Ferrum, Ipecacuanha, Myrrha, Saccharinum and Veratrum
Viride. The new matter includes paragraphs on Actol, Airol,
Argentamin, Argentol, Argonin, Chinosol, Creosotal, Dionine,
Eucaine, Eudoxin, Glycero-phosphates, Heroine, Holocaine, Iodo-
thyrin, Itrol, Largin, Nesophen, Orphol, Orthoform, Passiflora, Pel-
lotine, Peronine, Phloridzin, Piperidin, Protargol, Tuberculin-R,
Urotropin and Xeroform.

In the section on Therapeutics new articles are inserted on Local
Anesthesia, Beriberi, Dhobie Itch, Tropical Fevers, Heat-stroke,
Hemoglobinuric Fever, Lymphadenoma, Miliaria, Bubonic Plague,
Sprue, Tinea Imbricata, Tinea Versicolor and Toxemia. Twenty-
eight articles in this portion of the book have been rewritten, in-
cluding those on Amenorrhea, Asthma, Boils, Cholera, Diabetes,
Dysentery, Dyspnea, Gonorrhea, Insomnia, Leprosy, Leucocythemia,
Lichen, Myxedema, Pemphigus, Phthisis, Remittent Fever, Typhoid

366 Reviews and Bibliographical Notices. {Am-/u0ivriS1iarm'

Fever, Septicemia, Shock, Suppuration, Ulcers, Uremia, Variola and
Wounds. The text of many other articles has been expanded by
the incorporation of more than two hundred items from current
medical literature and from the author's personal experience in
practice. The articles on Poisoning, on Temperature in Disease,
and on the Clinical Examination of the Urine have been transferred
to this part of the book from the Appendix, in the belief that they
will be more frequently consulted when found in their alphabetical
order in the section on Therapeutics.

Potter's Handbook is one of those works that contains a vast
amount of information and is teeming with the results of the au-
thor's own personal experience and operations. The present edition
contains material gathered from the writer's experience in active
professional practice in a tropical climate, among soldiers and civil-
ians, men, women and children, during a period of nearly two years'
duration. The book is of great value to medical students and
physicians and will be found also a valuable reference book by
pharmacists and dentists as well.

Merck's 1901 Manual of the Materia Medica. A ready ref-
erence pocketbook for the practising physician and surgeon. Com-
piled from the most recent authoritative sources and published by
Merck & Co., New York and Chicago.

This handy little book of nearly 300 pages contains a vast amount
of information regarding the physical and chemical properties,
physiological effects and therapeutics, uses of drugs, as well as a
formulary of well-selected prescriptions and a valuable article on
poisoning and its treatment. It will be found invaluable to the
busy practitioner and is in just such a form that it may be carried
about in the pocket and readily consulted.

Memoranda on Poisons. By Thomas Hawkes Tanner. Eighth
revised edition by Henry Leffmann. Philadelphia : P. Blakiston's
Son & Co.

This little book will be of value not only to physicians, but also to
pharmacists. It contains concise information regarding the diag-
nosis and treatment of poisoning and many other features connected
with this subject. The handy compact form of the book will make
it useful, particularly to students and young practitioners of medi-
cine, as well as pharmacists who occasionally are called up to assist
in the saving of life until the physician arrives.

THE AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY

AUGUST, igoi. W?,

ROTATION OF THE PLANE OF POLARIZATION BY
MIXTURES.

By W. Porter Bkck, Tutor in Physics.
The University of Maine.

The experiments described in this paper were suggested by Prof.
James S. Stevens, and carried on by the writer during the past
year. They had for their general object an investigation of the
rotation of the plane of polarization by mixtures, as compared with
that produced by the separate ingredients. A Laurent polaris-
trobometer was used, the special feature of which is a semi-circular
plate of quartz which serves to retard half of the rays, so that
under certain well-understood conditions there is an equal illumina-
tion of the field. The source of light used was a sodium flame
produced by saturating the wick of a large alcohol lamp with com-
mon salt.

Assuming the truth of the law connecting the degree of rotation
with the tube length, the first part of the experiment consisted in
determining whether the apparatus available was sufficiently accu-
rate for the proposed investigation. A triangular trough with one
angle very small was made water-tight and covered on two sides
with strips of paper perforated at equal distances. It was proposed
by sighting through opposite apertures to measure the rotation
due to a sugar solution, whose thickness increased as one passed
from the apex to the base of the triangle. It was found, however,
that the refractive effect of the glass sides, which could not, of
course, he placed parallel to each other, prevented the field from
being observed.

(367)

368

Polarization by Mixtures.

f Am Jour. Pharm.
1 August, 1901.

A more satisfactory method consisted in taking a piece of hard
glass tubing, 2-51 cm. outside, and 2-15 cm. inside diameters, and
cutting as great a length as could be used in the instrument, and
cementing plates of glass over each end. Fig. 1 shows the arrange-
ment indicated. The cement used was melted asphalt, commonly
known as " sidewalk pitch." It would be difficult to find a more
perfect cement for glass than this substance ; it is water proof,

Fig. ia. — Side view.

Fig. ib. — General view of tube.

Fig. ic. — Direct end views of tube.

and many of the common chemicals do not affect it. Another
variety, known as " roofing pitch " is good, but more viscous, and
not so well adapted for permanent strain.

A solution of glucose was placed in this tube and the end
cemented on, leaving a small space as shown in the figure. Through
this space the liquid could be introduced by means of a pipette,
and when once filled the surface tension was sufficient to retain it.

Am . J our. Pharm . \
August, 1901. /

Polai'ization by Mixtures.

369

The amount of rotation was next observed, and the tube unsealed
at one end and cut down about 1 cm., refilled, and the process
repeated. Observations for twelve lengths of tube were taken, and
when plotted with the corresponding rotations, gave a fairly straight
line, but the results were not considered sufficiently accurate.

In order to obtain the best possible results, a series of tubes, six-
teen in number, was constructed, differing from each other by
irregular intervals of length. These could be tested repeatedly
and afforded a check on the work. To find their lengths, measure-
ments were taken on two sides and the mean taken. The following
table will show the method of procedure :

TABLE I.— LENGTH OF TUBES.

No. of
Tube.

Length
of a b.

Length
of a' b'.

Mean
(weight 1).

Length
of a b.

Length
of a' V.

Mean
(weight 2).

Final
Average.

Cm.

0-44

0-41

0*425

o*43

0-41

0-420

0-42

076

0-85

0-805

o-86

0-76

o'8io

o-8i

1*04

I'OO

ro2o

i'oi

s'04

1 '025

1-02

1 '47

1 '34

1*405

1*45

1*32

i*385

i*39

178

1*90

1-840

1-90

i*77

1*835

1-84

3"42

3-48

3*45°

3*41

3*48

3*445

3*45

5*"

5-20

5*155

5-20

5*io

5*i55

5*15

6 '43

6-5i

6-470

6*5i

6-42

6.465

6*47

8-16

813

8-145

8-i6

8-n

8-135

8-14

9-84

9-72

9*78o

972

9-80

9-760

9'77

"•54

11*57

n'555

11-57

11-52

ii*545

11*55

13*27

1 3 "3°

13*285

13*30

13-27

*3'285

13-29

15*05

15*15

15*085

*5"*3

15-08

15-105

15-10

16-89

16-85

16-870

16-82

16-88

16-850

1 6 -86

1838

18-41

l8*395

18-41

18-38

i8-395

18*40

19-63

19*75

19-690

i9'75

19-61

19-680

19-68

The next table shows the amount of rotation afforded by a solu-
tion of glucose in each tube. The table is printed in full in order
to show the degree of precision obtained in making the readings.

37°

Polarization by Mixtures.

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
1 August, 1901.

TABLE II.

No. of
Tube.

Readings.

Mean.

Corrected
for Zero
Error.

o'9°

OS"

o-8°

0-9°

o-8°

07°

o-8i°

0*35°

I.O

i'i

o*9

i*.i

ro j

I '0

1 0

i-i

1 -03

°'57

1*2

I'i

i*3

i'i

1*4

1*3

1*2

r*i

i'i

1*22

076

i*5

1*3

i*4

1*5 j

1*5

1*2

1 '4

1 '44

0 98

i'9

1-8

1.5

1*7

1*9

1-6

r;2

1-26

2-8

2-6

2-8

2-6

2*6

2*7

2-9

2-8

2 73

2*27

3'9

3-8

4'°

4-0

3-8

4'o

4"i :

4'o

3-8

3 94

3 48

4*7

. .0
4 0

4 0

4*9

4 8

475

4'29

5*9

5*8

6-o

5-8

5*8 1

5*8

5*7

5-80

5 "34

7*°

6-9

7-o

7"?

6*9

6-9 |

7'o

7*1

6 93

6"52

S'o

7*9

8-o

8-3

8-o

S-o

8-2

8-i

8 2

8-07

7-6i

9*4

9*3

9-2

9*5

9'3

9 2

9*3 j

9-2

9*6

9 '4

9 34

8-88

i°"5

lo-5

io-4

107

10-5

io-6

10-5

io-5

10 6

io'5

io-53

1007

ii-6

ii*7

II 7

n-6

ii'7

117

11 6

"•5

1 1 '65

12-6

I2'6

I2-5

12-6

12-8

T2-6

12-6 '

127

12-4

126

i2'6o

I2'I4

i3'5

*3*5

I3'4

13*4

137

13-3

I3"4

1 3 "4

13 50

13 "04

The curve which was obtained by plotting the tube-lengths and
rotations as coordinates is shown below. It is so close an approxi-
mation to a straight line that the accuracy of the methods employed
in the subsequent work may be regarded as established. (See Fig. 3.)

Fig. 2. — The double tube.

The next part of the work consisted in determining whether two
rotating liquids in tubes placed end to end will produce an effect
equal to the sum of the rotations of each liquid separately. For
the sugar solutions a double tube was constructed as represented
in the figure. (See Fig. 2.)

Am. Jour. Pharm.
August, 1901.

Polarization by Mixtures.

371

The two parts of the tube are referred to as No. 1 and No. 2.
Their lengths were made as nearly equal as possible, but a cane
sugar test showed that No. 1 rotated the plane iy°-8s and No. 2

10 —

—

0 —

^ 1

0 —

—

Fig. 3.— Length of tube. Optical rotation.
l7°'79- Their ratios were, therefore, 1 : 1-002. The following
table gives some of the results of this work:

TABLE III.

Liquid.

Rotation
Observed.

Rotation
Calculated.

Per Cent, of
Deviation.

Granulated sugar sol. tube No. i.

io°-54

Grape sugar sol. tube No. i.

7° 99

Cane sugar sol. tube No. 2.

I7°79

Cane sugar sol. tube No. 1.

I7°*83

Grape sugar No. 1. 1
Cane sugar No. 2. j

250-83

25°78

Granulated sugar No. 1. \
Cane sugar No. 2. j

28°-44

28° 40

0*1

In making the test for oils it was found that enough of the pitch
was dissolved to render the liquid somewhat opaque. Ordinary

372

Polarization by Mixtures.

( Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ August, 1901.

bottles covered with perforated paper answered the purpose very
well, and in the results which follow, the short tube belonging to
the saccharimeter was used with a bottle containing the second
liquid. The next tube shows the result of comparing the separate
and combined effects of various oils.

TABLE IV.

Number and Name of Substance.

Rotation
Observed.

Rotation
Computed.

Percent, of
Deviation.

No. i, turpentine.

-6°-3o

No. 2, mixture of turpentine and orange.

64°-42

No. 3, orange oil.

240-94

No. 4, mixture of nutmeg, orange and mint.

i7°6o

No. 5. orange oil (small bottle).

i3°-55

No. 6, mixture of nutmeg, orange and\
mint (small bottle). J

9°"43

Nos. 1 and 3.

i8°72

i8°64

0-3

Nos. 1 and 5.

7°-i6

7°*25

0-4

Nos. 2 and 4.

8i°-97

82°'02

O'l

Nos. 2 and 6.

730,39

73°85

0-6

In order to determine whether two substances mixed together
would give the sum of the rotations due to the ingredients sepa-
rately, solutions of the various sugars were placed in the double
tube, and results reached as follow :

TABLE V.

Substance.

Rotation
Observed.

Rotation
Calculated.

Per Cent, of
Deviation.

Tube 1, grape sugar.

7°"99

Tube 2, cane sugar.

I7°79

Mixture.

i2°-85

i2°-89

o-3

The calculated rotation was obtained by remembering that the
relative lengths of the parts of the double tube were I : 1-002.

12^ X 7°-99 = 4°-oo7

2 002

X I7°'79 = 8°.886

2 002

40-007 + 8°-886 = i2°-89

[*'m-} International Congresses. 373

A similar method was employed with the oils, the results of
which are shown below.

TABLE VI.

Substance.

Number.

Rotation
Observed.

Rotation
Calculated.

Per Cent, of
Deviation.

Orange oil.

86°-9i

Nutmeg oil.

2I°'58

Mixture of i and 2.

53°77

54° '24

0-9

Turpentine.

i2o-34

Mint.

-34° 75

Mixture of 4 and 5.

-I5°-82

-i5°7i

o'3

Mixture of r, 2, 4, 5.

I9O-02

i8°-97

0-3

The results of the experiments described in this paper indicate
that in making saccharimetric determinations various substances
contained in tubes placed end to end yield results which are equal
to the sum of the results taken separately, and furthermore, sub-
stances physically mixed together preserve their optical rotating
properties independently of each other. This last law would
enable one to determine the proportions of a mixture, if the amount
of one substance and the rotating properties of each were known.

Incidentally it was found that this method could be used in deter-
mining the length of a column of liquid with greater accuracy than
is afforded by the common methods of measurement. This was
illustrated in measuring the lengths of the components of the
double tube.

The principal sources of error encountered consisted in errors of
observation, which were fairly well eliminated by repeated trials,
and temperature changes. The latter were undoubtedly of very
little moment.

THE INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL

CONGRESSES.
By Fr. Hoffmann.
{Continued from page 325. )
FOURTH CONGRESS IN ST. PETERSBURG, 1 874.

Early in 1874 the committee appointed by the Congress in
Vienna addressed a circular letter of invitation and a programme
for the fourth International Congress, to be held in St. Petersburg
in August; 1874. The invitation was extended to all recognized

374

International Congresses.

( Am. Jour. Pharm.
I August, 1901.

pharmaceutical associations and to pharmacists in general, each
association being entitled to send one delegate for every one hun-
dred of its members.

The Congress assembled August 12th to 17th. Twelve societies
were represented by seventeen delegates from Russia, Austria-
Hungary, England, France and Denmark. No delegates were pres-
ent from Germany and the United States ; the English delegation
consisted of Mr. Thorn. Greeitish and Francis Sutton. Mr. Anton
von W aid] mm, of Austria, was elected President and Messrs. Madsen,
of Denmark, and Trapp, of Russia, Vice-Presidents. The German
language was chosen for conducting the deliberations, whilst the
use of English and French was also permitted,

Three main questions were proposed for consideration.

(1) How far are assistants personally responsible in the exercise
of their professional duties ? — Upon this query the resolution passed
that the proprietor was responsible for the good quality of all
drugs, chemicals and galenicals, and for the proper management
and conduct of the business, whilst the properly qualified assistant
should be responsible for any mistakes committed by him or his
fault and, during the absence of the proprietor, also for mistakes
committed by apprentices.

(2) How should the Committee of Inspection of Pharmacies
most suitably be composed and appointed ? — This query, applying
only to the usages in continental Europe, was answered by declar-
ing that the periodical governmental inspection of pharmacies
should be conducted by one medical practitioner and one practical
pharmacist.

(3) Is it necessary that the professorships of pharmacy should be
occupied by pharmacists ? — In response to this query the resolution
passed, that it is desirable that the professorship of pharmacy
should be held by pharmacists and that there should be in the
pharmaceutical curriculum two chairs, one for pharmacognosy and
one for pharmaceutical chemistry.

(4) Has not the time arrived for the preparation and introduc-
tion of an international pharmacopoeia ? — This question had been
answered in the Congress of 1867 by the American delegates in
the negative. It again elicited a comprehensive deliberation. In
general the necessity of uniformity in all pharmacopceial prepara-
tion was recognized. The Society of Pharmacy of Paris presented a

Am. Jour. Pharra. \
August, 1901. J

International Congresses.

375

memoir and a draft of an international pharmacopoeia. Such a one
should not exclude national pharmacopoeias, but the former one
should serve as a standard in their revision so as to attain in the
course of time as much as possible to a uniformity of all or the
most commonly used medical preparations, particularely the more
potent ones, as also to a uniform nomenclature and the general
adoption of metric units and the use of the Latin language for the
pharmacopoeias.

A committee was appointed for examining the French elaboration
and eventually for drafting a new one. The report should subse-
quently be sent to the Pharmaceutical Society of St. Petersburg
before or by December, 1875. This should have the revised draft
printed and send copies to the pharmaceutical societies represented
at the present congress for revision and approval in time before the
next congress.

The following suggestions were recommended to this committee
for consideration : The language of the international pharmacopoeia
should be the Latin, as determined at the preceding congresses at
Paris and Vienna. Metric weights and measures should be used
where absolute quantities are required ; but in pharmaceutical prepa-
rations parts by weight or volume might be used. All temperatures
should be stated in the centigrade scale, and specific gravities at 150
C. The nomenclature of chemicals should be as simple and defi-
nite as possible. The minimum of active principle of narcotic drugs
permitted should be stated. Tinctures and other galenicals should
be made on one principle with the greatest simplicity, avoiding
unnecessary ingredients. In chemical preparations the maximum
of impurities allowed should be stated.

At the close of the Congress the invitation from the American
Pharmaceutical Association* for holding the fifth Congress in Phila-
delphia was read, but in no way acted upon. A subsequent pre-
liminary invitation by the British delegates present to hold the
meeting in London prevailed, subject, however, to a forthcoming
official invitation by the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of
Great Britain. | It was furthermore resolved upon that the fifth

*Page 324.

t This invitation was unanimously adopted and acted upon by the Council on
October 7, 1874 {Pharm. Jour, and Transactions, 1875, p. 285).

376 International Congresses. {Kmjl^t*mlm'

Congress should convene in the course of the next five years, or at
the furthest in 1879.

FIFTH CONGRESS IN LONDON, 1 88 1.

The convocation of the fifth Congress was for various reasons
delayed beyond the time appointed in St. Petersburg in 1874. It
was not before the end of the year 1880 that the Pharmaceutical
Society of Great Britain issued a circular letter of invitation to the
pharmaceutical societies as well as to prominent pharmacists, with
the request to send delegates and to attend the meetings of the
congress to be held in London in August, 1 88 r. As mam objects
for deliberation there were mentioned the international pharma-
copoeia, pharmaceutical education, and the relations of pharmacists
to the medical profession and the public.

Forty- eight delegates, representing pharmaceutical societies ot
England, France, Germany, Austria, Russia, Italy, Belgium, Hol-
land, Denmark, Sweden and Australasia, attended the Congress and
quite a number of visitors from Great Britain and abroad, among
them two from the United States of America (Fr. Hoffmann and
Oscar Oldberg). Dr. Theophilus Redzuood, of London, was elected
President, and not less than sixteen honorary vice-presidents and
five honorary secretaries were proposed and elected.

The subject of an International Pharmacopoeia was introduced by
papers read by Messrs. J% Dittrich, of Prague, J. Martenson, of
St. Petersburg, and Madsen, of Copenhagen, each one presenting a
number of suggestions and approving the principles recommended
by the Congress at St. Petersburg.

In regard to the draft elaborated by the Pharmaceutical Society
of Paris and offered to and accepted by the Congress at St. Peters-
burg, an unavailing controversy as to the final disposition of the
manuscript occurred. It was stated that it had been burned in St.
Petersburg by an unfortunate mistake or accident, while the French
delegates claimed that the original draft was in their possession.
The fact is that no available action whatever seems to have been
taken with this initial draft for the elaboration of an International
Pharmacopoeia.

The lengthy discussions about a universal code resulted in the
following resolutions unanimously adopted :

Am. Jour. Pbarnj."!
August, 1901. J

International Congresses.

377

(1) The fifth International Pharmaceutical Congress held in London, August,
i88r, confirms the resolutions at the previous congresses, as to the utility of an
universal pharmacopoeia, but is of the opinion that it is necessary at once to
appoint a commission, consisting of two delegates from each of the countries
represented at this Congress, which shall prepare within the shortest possible
time a compilation in which the strength of all potent drugs and their prepara-
tions is equalized.

(2) The Executive Committee of this Congress is requested to take the neces-
sary steps that the resolution be speedily carried out.

(3) The work, when ready, shall be handed over by the delegates to their
respective governments or their pharmacopceial committees.

(4) It is desirable that the commission establish a uniform systematic Latin
nomenclature for the pharmacopoeias of all countries.

(5) It is desirable that the commission take measures that an official Latin
translation be made of the pharmacopoeias of different countries which are not
now published in that language.

(6) It is desirable that the commission be put in possession of all the manu-
scripts, including the documents relating to the Universal Pharmacopoeia, com-
piled by the Society of Pharmacy of Paris and presented at the fourth meeting
of the Congress at St. Petersburg.

(7) That the pharmaceutical societies of the respective countries be requested
to nominate those members of the commission not appointed by this Congress,
and to fill up any vacancies which may arise from time to time.

The next subject of discussion referred to the equalization of the
strength of official pharmaceutical preparations containing potent
drugs. Mr. Madsen, of Copenhagen, presented, in a comprehensive
address, a record of previous efforts for attaining to a satisfactory
union in this matter, and papers about the subject were read by-
Messrs. Peter Squire, of London, Professor Schaer, of Zurich, Dr.
Brunnengraebery of Rostock, Professor Maisc/i, of Philadelphia, and
others.

The preceding resolutions in regard to the International Pharma-
copoeia embody the conclusions reached by these writers and the
discussions.

The question of pharmacopceial revision was introduced by Mr.
Carteighe, of London, giving a concise sketch of the condition of
pharmacy in England before the foundation and the educational
exertions of the Pharmaceutical Society in 1 841, as well as of the
origination of the British Pharmocopceia in 1864 by the fusion of
the pharmacopoeias of London, Edinburgh and Dublin, until then
in use. The modus of revision prevailing in the various countries
was commented upon by Mr. Peter Squire and Dr. Theoph. Red-
wood, of England, Dr. C. Schacht, of Germany, Dr. Pcehlf of Russia,

378

International Congresses.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ August, 1901.

Mr. von Waldheirn, of Austria, Mr. Sinimberghi, of Italy, Dr. de
Vrij, of Holland, Mr. Lotze, of Denmark, Dr. Gille, of Belgium,
and Professor Oldberg, of the United States of America.

The opinions and propositions as to the interval between the
successive revisions of the national pharmacopoeias were somewhat
divergent, five years being considered the minimum and ten years
the maximum. The opinion prevailed that a Standing Pharmaco-
pceial Committee was preferable to a temporary one at the time of
each revision, and that such committee should consist of a majority
of pharmacists.

A discussion on pharmacopoeial nomenclature also took place.
This question, as well as that of revision, was duly taken in consid-
eration in the final resolutions passed in regard to an international
pharmacopoeia, stated on page 377.

The question of pharmaceutical education being a permanent
feature of pharmaceutical congresses, was again discussed at great
length, each speaker reflecting the methods and views prevailing in
his country. The general opinion shared by all seemed, however,
to be that higher requirements as to preliminary and to professional
education, both in apprenticeship and university or college instruc-
tion, are requisite, and that the curriculum of the branches of instruc-
tion should be enlarged in compliance with the recent extensions
in the domains of chemical, pharmacognostical and microscopic
knowledge and application. An approximate uniformity in the
methods and the scope of professional education was also recom-
mended as desirable.

A motion by Mr. Petit, of Paris, " that it is desirable in all
countries that the curriculum of professional education of the phar-
macist should be made uniform with that ot the grade of doctor of
medicine," was laid upon the table, and, in conclusion, the whole
question was left an open one to be considered by subsequent con-
gresses.

The last question discussed was on the relations of pharmacists to
the medical profession and the public. This intricate subject of
long standing evidently met with little interest, as its bearing is a
very different one in the various countries, and no special action
was taken.

In conclusion, the place for holding the next Congress was taken
into consideration. Only one invitation had been received, namely,

A in. Jour. Pharm. \
August, 1901. J

International Congresses.

379

from the American Pharmaceutical Association. The officers of the
Congress, however, had come to the conclusion that a more accessi-
ble country would be preferable, and the city of Brussels was se-
lected for holding the next Congress in 1884.

SIXTH CONGRESS IN BRUSSELS, 1 885.

The sixth International Pharmaceutical Congress should have
been called to Brussels in 1884, but on account of a general indus-
trial exposition taking place in Antwerp in 1885, it was postponed
to this year. The local committee at Brussels had succeeded in
securing the interest of the highest authorities of the State in the
Congress, so that it was for the first time in the history of pharma-
ceutical congresses favored with royal patronage, and by the par-
ticipation of high State officers. This fact was a novel one, as well
as the latitude in the programme issued with letters of invitation by
the local committee early in 1885. This proposed, among other
things, the consideration of the following questions : On theo-
retical and applied pharmacy ; on hygiene and public health ; on
biological and legal chemistry ; on the international pharmacopoeia
elaborated and to be presented by the commission appointed at the
Congress in London, in 1 88 1 ; on pharmaceutical education; on
sophistication of alimentary substances, and, finally, on potable
waters, their requisite quality, and the best methods for their exam-
ination. .

Other innovations of this Congress were that it invited delegates
from governments, universities, schools of pharmacy and from phar-
maceutical, chemical and hygienic associations, and all those inter-
ested in the subjects pertaining to pharmacy in its broadest scope,
who desire to attend the meeting and pay a fee of 10 francs ($2) for
admittance. Another novel feature was that all questions brought
for discussion before the Congress should first be considered and
reported by sections.

The Congress convened at its first meeting in Brussels, August
31, 1885. It was opened, on behalf of the King of Belgium, by
his representative, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Caraman-
Chimay. It was of all the preceding pharmaceutical congresses the
most frequented one, consisting of approximately 300 delegates and
visitors, representing twenty-three countries and seventy-two
societies, whilst at the meetings in Vienna only eight countries, at

38o

International Congresses.

f Am. Jour. Pharna.
1 August, 1901.

St. Petersburg five countries, and at London eighteen countries were
represented. The United States were, as in London, not represented
by a delegate, while Mr. Fred. Stearns, Sr., of Detroit, attended as
a visitor.

Mr. Van BasUlaer, of Brussels, was elected President, and quite a
number of honorary vice-presidents and sectional presidents. As
much as this Congress differed from the preceding ones in its organ-
ization, sections and the admittance to membership, it deviated also
in the nature and variety of questions proposed and introduced in
its deliberations. Besides the inveterate questions of an interna-
tional pharmacopoeia, equalization of the strength of pharmaco-
pceial preparations, pharmaceutical education and examination, the
relation of pharmacists to physicians, and nostrums and specialties,
such questions as veterinary pharmacy, the regulation of the supply
of patent medicines, the repetition of prescriptions containing poi-
sonous alkaloids, the sale of morphia and opiates, the relative advan-
tage of self-made chemicals and galenicals over purchased ones, the
danger of lead pipes for water supply, of poisonous pigments, of
the adulteration of food, the freedom of movement of assistants,
etc., were introduced and more or less discussed, and resolutions
passed thereon. Of these only those questions may be briefly men-
tioned here, which strictly apply to the practice of pharmacy.

The question of pharmaceutical education was, as at the pre-
vious congresses, fully ventilated with the same variety of diverging
opinions, according to the usages and the conditions prevailing in
each country. The delegates from Belgium submitted the follow-
ing propositions :

(1) That in all countries where it is not already the case, a diploma should
be established, giving the exclusive privilege to practise pharmacy.

(2) To require candidates for pharmaceutical qualifications to pass through
the same preparatory course of study as medical men and doctors of science.

(3) That the minimum of knowledge to be required of the pharmacist should
be defined.

(4) The various titles now in use should be replaced by that of " doctor of
pharmacy."

(5) To obtain as a subsidiary object, limitation of the number of pharmacies
proportional to the population.

These motions were controverted, particularly by German, Aus-
tian and Russian delegates, as also the proposition to continue, as
in France, or introduce two grades of pharmacists, one for those

Am. Jour. Pharm.
August, 1901.

International Congresses.

381

who serve the practical and mercantile side of pharmacy, and one
for those who aim higher and desire to devote themselves to the
scientific objects and aims of the modern application of pharmaceu-
tical knowledge and practice. Other delegates argued that it would
not do to aim too high in the extent of erudition and too far in the
practical domain of the pharmacist, as also that the professional and
social standing of the pharmacist could not be raised by mere titles
and diplomas, but only by personal qualification and character. Aca-
demic degrees should not be degraded for the sake of professional
vanity and convenience. It would be better and proper, as Messrs.
von Waldheim and Genevoix stated, to be conservative and not to
enter upon extravagant experiments in regard to the consonant
position and requisite attainments of the practising pharmacist.
Professor Cannizzaro stated that in Italy the government had been
compelled to recede from its too high requirements at the pharma-
ceutical examinations, because young men refrained from entering
under such conditions a profession with so limited chances.

Mr. A. von Waldheim, President of the commission for the elab-
oration of a draft of an international pharmacopoeia, appointed by
the Congress in London in 1 881, had performed this duty and
submitted his elaboration to the Congress. The paper contained a
historical introduction; 232 drugs and preparations had originally
been proposed to be incorporated into the pharmacopoeia ; of these,
188 were approved by the commission, but further propositions
from various countries carried this number up to nearly five hun-
dred articles. Upon further consideration and voting, 293 articles
were accepted and adopted in the draft; of these, 188 were con-
sidered as indispensable in a pharmacopoeia, whilst 112 were of less
consequence. In the draft the former ones were printed in larger,
the latter ones in smaller type, and on the margin it was stated in
what national pharmacopoeias they are contained.

This draft and its principles met with so general appreciation and
approval, that the French delegates retracted their draft presented
to the Congress in St. Petersburg, in 1874.

It was resolved to have the draft of Mr. Waldheim distributed
for consideration and further suggestions and to have it subsequently
printed and published.

The question of the limitation of pharmacies in proper proportion
to the number of inhabitants, was discussed by the delegates of the

382

International Congresses.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
I August, 1901.

continental countries. Mr. Bratimos, of Athens, advocated strict
limitation ; his views were supported by others ; Professor Gode-
froy, of Vienna, described the legal regulations in Austria, Mr.
Krohn, those of Norway, and Mr. Bernaco, those of Italy. Delegates
from Holland thought it sufficient to exact limitation only by
stricter requirements in the professional qualification of the phar-
macist.

The resolution was finally passed that the Congress approve of
the principle that the public interest of every country requires a
limitation in the number of pharmacies, and that this Congress elect
a committee to report to the next Congress on the condition of the
pharmacists in the various countries and to collect statistical and
other evidence of the advantages derived from the limitation of the
number of pharmacies.

A voluble and acrimonious discussion was brought about by the
question of nostrums and specialties. Professor Zanni, of Constan-
tinople, moved that this Congress appoint an international commis-
sion, charging it with the examination of the prevailing nostrums
and specialties of the market and to discriminate between those
which may be admitted and those which should be prohibited.
Belgian and other delegates depreciated the nostrum trade, while a
number of Parisian pharmacists pleaded in favor of specialties and
proprietaries. They called attention to the great economic import-
ance of this ever increasing industry, the export of such remedies
from France alone amounting to, approximately, 14,000,000 of francs
per annum. They also controverted the assumption that this in-
dustry was based indiscriminately upon barter and gain without
any scientific and therapeutical principles and merits. Such reme-
dies were justified and sanctioned by their undeniable success and
popular confidence and approval and were largely of recognized
value and advantage to both the poor and the wealthy.

Notwithstanding this warm endorsement, the following resolu-
tion was passed with a considerable majority : " The Sixth Inter-
national Pharmaceutical Congress deems it desirable in the public
interest that nostrums and pharmaceutical proprietaries be strictly
prohibited in all countries."

Attention was called by Mr. Limousin, of Paris, to the fact that
' twenty years ago a similar resolution had been passed by the Con-
gress at Brunswick without any appreciable success or effect. The

Am. Jour. Pnarrr>.\
August, 1901. J

Story of the Papaw.

383

industry of specialties had wonderfully progressed and prospered
ever since.

The question of the dispensation of potent and poisonous sub-
stances in prescriptions and the indiscriminate repetition of these
was fully taken in consideration, as well as the sale of morphia and
opiates, and it was agreed that a strict regulation is imperative, but
is mainly in the function of medical and sanitary authorities and the
special legislation of each country.

Papers were read and a lengthy discussion took place on the
questions of adulteration of food and the quality and purity of
potable waters, and comprehensive resolutions were passed for
instituting national and international regulations for their control
and examination as well as for adopting standards defining the
requirements to be made upon water to be considered of normal
and healthy condition.

The question of the freedom of movement (Freiziigigkeit) of
pharmaceutical assistants and some other questions of the lengthy
programme, more or less irrelevant to pharmacy of non-European
countries, were briefly discussed without any definite result, or
altogether dropped.

At the final close of the meetings it was resolved that the seventh
Congress shall be held at Milan in 1888.

( To be continued.)

THE STORY OF THE PAPAW.
By F. B. Kilmer.
( Concluded from p. 348. )
GLUCOSIDE OF THE PAPAW.

The Carica Papaya contains a glucosidal body, caricin. This I
have never been able to obtain except from the seed, in which it is
fairly abundant. From this source it may be extracted after boil-
ing the seeds with 75 per cent, alcohol. The residue after alco-
holic extraction is then exhausted with water. The aqueous ex-
tract after the addition of barium carbonate is evaporated to the
consistency of a soft extract from which the glucoside may be ex-
tracted with hot alcohol. From such a solution the glucoside
separates upon concentration. This glucoside resembles sinigrin.

3§4

Story of the Pa paw.

( Am. Jour. Pharin.
1 August, 1901.

It is decomposed by the glycoside splitting ferment, myrosin
(obtained from mustard), giving a volatile, odorous, pungent flavor
suggestive of the Cruciferae, but not so marked.

The seeds of papaw also. contain the glucoside splitting ferment,
myrosin. The glucoside resides within the hard inner coating of
the seed, while the myrosin ferment is secreted in the gelatinous
outer envelope. Myrosin may be extracted from this mucilaginous
substance with water and precipitated from the watery solution by
alcohol.

By pursuing the methods here briefly outlined, we may separate
the glucoside from the inner section of the seed and the ferment
from the outer coating ; and by bringing the two substances
together in the presence of water, the glucoside will be decomposed
with the production of a volatile essence and glucose.18

The myrosin ferment extracted from the mucilaginous coating of
the papaw seed will decompose sinigrin. The action of this ferment
and decomposition of the glucoside is apparent to the sense of taste
when the seeds are chewed. The taste and odor indicate that the
glucoside and ferment are present in the bark of the root.

ALKALOID.

An alkaloid — carpaine — has been separated from the Carica
Papaya. The source so far noted has been the leaves.

The usual method of extraction is to digest the leaves in alcohol
acidulated with hydrochloric acid (5-100) ; evaporate the extract,
wash with water acidulated with hydrochloric acid (2-ico). This
solution is then washed with ether; made alkaline with sodium hy-
drate and the alkaloid washed out in chloroform or ether. Jn my
experiments the yield was small. I have noted indications of alka-
loidal reaction with Mayer's reagent in the alkaline ether washings,
from the latex, but it cannot be stated that the alkaloid is present
in this product.

The alkaloid, carpaine, is soluble in absolute alcohol, amylic alco-
hol, chloroform, benzine and in water acidulated with hydrochloric
acid.

18 It has been demonstrated that in many instances the ferment and the
glucoside upon which the ferment acts are enclosed in different cells in plant
tissue.

Am. Jour. Pharm. )
August, 1901. j

Story of the Papaw.

385

A solution of carpaine reacts with indicators as follows: — red
litmus paper is turned blue; hematoxylin, deep rose or wine ; roso-
lic acid, deep rose; cochineal, deep rose; methyl-orange, yellow;
lacmoid, no change. Phenolphtalein causes a turbidity with the
usual red, but the reaction is obscure in the presence of alcohol.

The physiological action of this alkaloid is quite similar to that
of digitalis, a heart depressant.

Carica Papaya cultivated.
MARKET PREPARATIONS OF THE PAPAW.

There are numerous preparations in our own and in the Euro-
pean markets claiming to be the ferment of the papaw. These
are sold under the name of "papain,"" papayotin," " caroid," " pa-
poid," etc.

From a somewhat extended examination I am quite satisfied that
several of the preparations named are the dried and powdered
papaw milk. In this case they bear the same relation to the true
separated ferment as the dried mucous membrane of the stomacl

Story of the Papaw.

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
I August, 1901.

might bear to purified pepsin. Some of these so called papains
retain the waxy, rubber-like constituents and the acrid, irritating
resins of the milk.

The application to such crude material of the term " papain," or
any similar name which would imply the isolated ferment, is mis.
leading and should be abandoned. Tne dried juice of the papaw, or
a mixture of the dried juice with any other ferments, should be
properly labelled. From these crude preparations, the true fer-
ment can be separated by extraction with water and precipitation
with alcohol. In a few experiments which I have tried, some of
the crude preparations were found to contain about twenty per cent,
of the ferment-bearing bodies (albuminous).

There are, however, preparations in the market which consist of
the more or less purified and separated ferment, or, more accurately
speaking, consisting of the separated proteids; with which the
ferments are associated.

I know of no standard by which these market preparations can
be judged. They vary greatly in their proteolytic action. In such
as may be prepared by simple drying of the milk, no two lots can
be alike. These will be found to vary in color, to emit an offensive
odor and to have a marked acrid disagreeable taste, producing, in
several instances in my experience, quite a sharp caustic action.

The dried papaw juice is usually the more energetic in the begin-
ning of digestive action than is the purified ferment, but this ener-
getic action of the dried juice apparently soon ceases, while the pure
ferment, though slower in immediate action, continues its activity
for many hours. Upon treating the preparations made of the dried
juice with ether, chloroform, benzine or alcohol, evaporating the
solvent, the waxy resinous and rubber-like residue elsewhere spoken
of will remain.

The amount of residue left after extraction with water may be
taken as a rough estimate of the foreign material present, the fer-
ment itself being associated with a more or less soluble albumose.
A more accurate method of estimation as to the amount of ferment-
bearing bodies is as follows : — Extract a weighed portion of the
powder with water (two or three successive portions with tritura-
tion) ; combine the aqueous solutions and saturate with crystals of
magnesium sulphate and sodium sulphate in about equal propor-
tions. If the solution is warmed the precipitate will be quicker.

Ain. Jour. Pharm. 1
August, 1901. J

Story of the Pap aw.

387

The precipitate thus obtained, freed from salts by dialysis, will con-
sist of albumose and globulin, and the weight of these when dried
will give the measure of soluble bodies with which the ferment is
associated, or the amount of ferment-bearing bodies in the sample.

In the best of the market preparations which I have examined I
have found, in addition to these soluble bodies, insoluble globulins
and an appreciable amount of peptone, the latter not being precipi-
tated by the foregoing methods.

Carica Papaya, split open to show sections in centre of trunk.
DIGESTIVE ACTION.

The digestive action of the ferment of the papaw plant has been
quite fully described. The actions which are here summarized
have been made with one of the market ferments sold under the
name of " Papoid."19

19 This preparation was used on account of its convenience and because of the
lack of sufficient material, separated by the processes outlined in another part
of this paper.

388

Story of the Pap aw.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
August, lfiOl.

Papoid is a German production, and, according to the statement
of the manufacturers, it is prepared by precipitation from a watery
extract of the papaw juice or milk. It consists essentially of globu-
lin and albumose, associated with the ferments, and in addition it
contains a small amount of natural inorganic salts. This prepara-
tion was used by the writer in a previous communication, and by
Chittenden, (See " Papoid Digestion " Transactions of Connecticut
Academy, Vol. IX, 1892.)

The action of this ferment presents features which contrast
peculiarly with those of the ordinary digestive ferments. Direct
comparison of the enzyme of the papaw with any other ferment is
practically impossible, and this is especially true as to its behavior
in comparison with the animal ferments.

The action of most ferments is inhibited by the products of diges-
tive action ; such does not seem to be the effect in the case of the
papaw enzyme. It acts in a concentrated solution, even when
carrying products of its own action. Certain of my experiments
tend to show, however, that this enzyme has a notable action in a
stream of running water. In other words, its action seems to be
continuous, and the ferment is not removed by washing or by the
action of fluids in which it is soluble. One such experiment was as
follows :

Two ounces of raw lean beef were cut into slices, over which was
poured an alkaline solution of the papaw ferments. The beef was
allowed to remain in this solution for half an hour, during which
time the solution was fairly well absorbed and the beef somewhat
softened. The whole was then wrapped in a filter paper, transferred
to a fine muslin bag ; this bag and contents were placed under a
faucet of running water and allowed to remain for five hours.
Upon opening the bag it was found that only a few shreds of meat
remained.

In order to demonstrate that the action was not that of a washing
away process due to force of the water, a check experiment was
made without the ferment, here the loss in weight only amounted to
about fifty per cent.

This experiment seems to show that the enzyme combined with
and hydrated the fibres of the meat. The products of this combi-
nation are soluble, and are removed by the action of water or other
fluids; furthermore, in the process of washing away the soluble

Am. Jour. Pharm.
August, 1901.

Story of the Papaw.

389

products, the ferment is left behind to act upon a fresh portion of
the fibre, in turn giving rise to soluble products or peptones.

This experiment was made in order to imita'e certain known
conditions present in the process of digestion, where there is a con-
stant stream of fluid in the intestinal tract. Taken with other
experiments this result seems to show that ferments of the papaw
act very energetically in a small amount of fluid, and will also act in
a stream of water.

Wild Papaw.

The influence of reaction upon the ferments of the papaw form an
interesting comparion with those of the animal ferments.

The power of pepsin is destroyed in alkaline solution, such as
lime water, sodium bicarbonate, ammonia, etc.; on the other hand
the activity of pancreatin, ptyalin or diastase is inhibited in acid
solution. The papaw enzyme is active in acid, neutral or alkaline
solution; but pepsin and pancreatin cannot be mixed together in
solution either acid, alkaline or neutral, and still preserve their

390

Story of the Pap aw.

(Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ August, 1901.

characteristics ; whereas, the ferments of the papaw can be mixed
with other ferments in a solution of any reaction. Pepsin is inert
in a neutral solution, and is destroyed in solutions containing traces
of alkalinity. If an alkaline solution of pepsin be made acid, the
pepsin action is not restored ; pancreatin acts slowly in neutral
solutions, and is destroyed in acid solution. If an acid solution of
pancreatin be made alkaline, the pancreatin action will not be re-
stored. The papaw ferments are active in neutral solutions ; their
activity is enhanced when such solution is made acid, and if such
acid solution be in turn made alkaline, the ferment will still remain
active. In fact, the changing of solution of the papaw ferments
from acid to neutral, then to alkaline; then reversing the order to
neutral, acid and alkaline, or, in fact, changing the order of reaction
almost indefinitely, does not thereby destroy the ferment which
seems to remain active under all reactions and conditions.

Certain physical changes in the proteid substances acted upon
are characteristic of these enzymes of the papaw. For instance :
when raw blood fibrin or raw beef is acted upon with an alkaline
solution of these ferments, there is an immediate softening to a
jelly-like mass in which the fibres lose their individuality, this jelly
gradually becoming thinner under the further action of the ferment.20

In the case of cooked beef in either alkaline or acid solution, the
action of the ferment of the papaw is quite different. There is a
rapid disintegration of the fibres which separate into tiny fragments.
Finally the undigested portion becomes a pultaceous residue.21

A most interesting feature of the papaw enzyme is its action at a
wide range of temperature. With the animal ferments, especially
pepsin and trypsin, digestion is very slow at room temperature, 68
to 70 F. While at this temperature the papaw enzyme acts as
energetically as at 1 10 F., the animal ferments act most energetic-
ally at body temperature (diastase at 130 F.)

20 This action in the case of blood fibrin is quite striking, and advantage is
taken of this property in therapeutics where a solution of the ferments is used
as a solvent for the false membrane of diphtheria, a substance quite analogous
to blood fibrin.

21 It is notable that with meat proteids, both cooked and uncooked, in acid
or alkaline solutions containing no ferment, there is a marked swelling of the
fibre. In an alkaline solution this becomes a solid jelly, but this swelling
seems to be entirely counteracted by the presence of the papaw ferment.

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
August, 1901. J

Story of the Papaw.

391

With the animal ferments, if the temperature be raised to near
140 F., there is a diminution in the digestive action, and at about
158 F., pancreatin is destroyed ; pepsin at about 160 F. Quite the
reverse is the influence upon the papaw ferments. Here the action,
beginning as low as 50 or 60 F., increases slightly with the rise of
temperature until between 155-160 F. it reaches the maxi-
mum. The action is not entirely destroyed even at a fe.v moments'
exposure at the boiling point. A digestive ferment active at
temperatures ranging from 50 F. to the boiling point is notable.

Papaw fruit as a tropical dessert.
PRODUCTS OF DIGESTION BY THE PAPAW FERMENT.

A peculiar phenomenon arises in the digestion of albumen by the
papaw enzyme. It is particularly noticeable in the digestion of egg
albumen in alkaline solution, but it is manifest in the digestion of
raw flesh albumen in either acid, neutral or alkaline media. After
every prolonged digestion there is found an undissolved residue,
which many observers have characterized as an unchanged albumen,
and which is usually measured as undigested residue. But such is
not the case. This residue is an altered albumen ; is soluble in 0-3
to 0 5 per cent, solution of sodium carbonate or 0'2 per cent, hy-
drochloric acid. From such solution it is reprecipitated upon neu-
tralization, and re-dissolved by an excess of the precipitant. It is
insoluble in salt solutions. Its solution in sodium carbonate upon
dialysis becomes almost entirely soluble in water.

392

Story of the Pa paw.

/Am. Jour. Fharm.
I August. 1901.

The dialyzed solution noted above gives a precipitate with acetic
acid and potassium ferrocyanide, but nitric acid gives no precipitate.
The solution gives the ordinary proteid reactions, and apparently
the whole of the proteids are reprecipitated by the addition of a large
quantity of alcohol. This body is further digested after washing
and treatment with a fresh solution of the ferment, and also in an
acid solution of pepsin ; it is almost completely digested in an alka-
line solution of trypsin, yielding (as shown at one trial) the ordinary

Method of collecting Papaw latex.

products of digestion. This body corresponds quite closely to the
antialbumid found in digestions by hydrochloric acid and by
trypsin.22

The products arising in the digestion of egg albumen, blood
fibrin or beef albumen are quite alike either in acid, alkaline or neu-

22 A quite similar body is found in Brometin digestion of albumen. (See
Chittenden— -Journal of Physiology, No. 4, 1893.) It is quite evident that this
body would be readily converted into soluble absorbable products in the diges-
tive tract.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
August, 1901.

Story of the Pap aw.

393

tral solutions, with the exception of certain slight modifications de-
pendent upon the conditions of trial, reaction, etc. Hemialbumose
(protoalbumose, deuteroalbumose and, in some instances, hetero-
albumose), hemipeptone, peptone products, and the amid bodies,
leucin and tyrosin, are all found in addition to the peculiar
body above noted which is present only in minute amounts.

All of these bodies seemingly make their appearance in the early
stages of digestion, and each one is found at the end of prolonged
digestion, although under ordinary circumstances deuteroalbumose
and true peptone predominate to a high degree.

The close identity of the products of the action of the enzyme of
the papaw and that of tryptic and pepsin digestion can be seen in
the accompanying diagram :

PAPAW FERMENT DIGESTION.

Albumen.

P. Albumose

Hemialbumose

Hemipeptone

Leucin, Tyrosin

TRYPSIN DIGESTION.

Albumen.

Antialbumose
Antipeptone

Hemialbumose
Hemipeptone
Leucin, Tyrosin

394

Story of the Papaw.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
August, 1901.

PEPSIN DIGESTION.

Albumen.

Antialbumose

Hemialbumose

Antipeptone

Hemipeptone

NITROGEN IN DIGESTIVE PRODUCTS.

It is well known that the hemialbumoses and peptones formed by
pepsin or trypsin show an increase of nitrogen above that of the
original proteids. In the case of the ferments under consideration
this is reversed ; the proteid products show a decrease in the nitro-
gen content. The following experiment illustrates this : The
clear filtrate resulting from a prolonged digestion of egg albumin in
a neutral solution, was concentrated, filtered and precipitated with
alcohol, extracted with hot alcohol ; the resultant mass (consisting
for the most part of peptones) was then subjected to analysis by the
Kjeldahl process. The average result of three trials expressed in
percentage was N, 14-14.

The following comparison with the nitrogen content of proteids
will illustrate the point: —

Egg albumen N. 16.02 Hamerstein .....

Hemialbumose . N. 16.55 - • ■•' Kuhne

Soluble proteoses

(papaw ferments) N. 14.14 (3 trials) Kilmer

The action of the papaw ferments upon milk is quite identical to
the action of pancreatin. There is first the act of curdling in which
the casein is separated into a soft flocculent precipitate ; this is
followed by a digestion of the proteids, during which process they
are converted into soluble and diffusible products. The curdling
takes place at ordinary temperature in neutral or alkaline reaction ;
is delayed by increase of alkalinity, and hastened by increase of
temperature. The digestive action proceeds independent of the act
of curdling, and whether the reaction is neutral, acid or alkaline.
(Best digestion is with 2 per cent, bicarbonate of soda or 25 per
cent, lime water.)

Ain. Jour. Pharm.\
August, 1901. >

Chromic Acid and the Chromates.

395

In addition to the proteolytic and rennet ferments noted, and the
probable presence of pectase, there is present in the papaw latex,
amylolytic ferment capable of acting upon cooked starch. The
amount of this starch- converting ferment is not large, or else it is
weak. The fresh latex acts promptly upon starch paste, thinning it,
and converting a portion at least into soluble starch and dextrin.
(The amount of reducing sugar produced is slight.)

The starch-converting action of the separated ferment (or dried
latex) is not very pronounced. The most that can be said is that
it is present.23

Altogether we are warranted in the statement, that the digestive
action of the ferments contained in the papaw latex and the pro-
ducts formed in such are quite identical with that of the animal and
vegetable ferments in general.

A RAPID METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE VALUE
OF - CHROMIC ACID" AND THE SOLUBLE CHROMATES.

By Lyman F. Kebeer, B.S.

The principle involved in the beautiful and exact method for
estimating iodine by means of sodium thiosulphate was brought
forward by A. du Pasquier,1 but the original method gave neither
satisfactory nor concordant results. Bunsen - took up the process
and pointed out the cause of its shortcomings. These researches
on the volumetric estimation of iodine, in connection with Schwarz's 3
proposed use of sodium thiosulphate instead of sulphurous acid,
produced a very beneficial effect on the whole domain of chemical
analysis. The value of the process is not so much in the estimation
of iodine in iodine compounds, but rather in the determination of
such substances as will liberate iodine when brought in contact
with potassium iodide, either by direct displacement [e. g., the
chlorinated compounds, chlorine water, bromine, etc.) or by reduc-
tion in the presence of hydrochloric acid, either with or without

23 The pronounced amylolytic action of some of the papaw ferments in the
market is probably due to the addition of diastase.

1 1840, Anal, de Chimie et de Physique, 73, 310 ; Silliman's Jour., 40, 123.

2 1853, (Liebig) Anal., 86, 265-291.

3 1853, Anleit. zu Maassanal. Nachtrdge, 22.

39^

Chromic Acid and the CJiromates.

( Am. Jour. Pharai.
I August, 1901.

heat {e.g., Cr03, PbO,2, Mn02, As205, FeC)3, etc.). The details of
the various methods must be worked out for each substance to be
estimated. If a chromate is boiled with an excess of strong hydro-
chloric acid, chlorine is liberated, which can be distilled and con-
ducted into a solution of potassium iodide, contained in a suitable
apparatus. The distillation may be avoided by mixing the chro-
mate, a saturated solution of potassium iodide and the hydrochloric
acid in a strong bottle, provided with an accurately ground stopple.
The stopple is firmly tied in, the bottle with its contents immersed
in water and the temperature raised to boiling, where it is kept for
one hour. The bottle is then removed, cooled and the amount of
liberated iodine estimated by means of N io sodium thiosulphate.

Both of the above methods are more or less tedious and are
liable to give abnormally high results, on account of the proneness
of the hydriodic acid formed to decompose. A blank should always
be carried.

The writer has used the following method with considerable sat-
isfaction : Dissolve about I gramme (accurately weighed) in enough
distilled water to make exactly 100 c.c. Of this solution transfer
20 c.c. into a porcelain evaporating dish containing 75 c.c. of water,
add 2 grammes of potassium iodide, 15 c.c. of 10 per cent, sulphuric
acid and mix well. Then add, from a burette, N/10 sodium thiosul-
phate until a distinct blue color, without yellowish cast, results, or
the end may be determined by means of a starch solution.

It was at first thought that some time must be allowed for com-
plete reaction of the above mixture, before the liberated iodine can
be estimated, but the writer soon found that the reactions were
almost instantaneous.

The reactions involved are represented by the following equa-
tions :

(1) 2 Cr 03 + 6 KI + 6 H2S04 == 3 I2 -j- Cr2 (S04)3 + 3 K2S04
+ 6 H20.

(2) 3 I2 6 Na,S£>8 3 Na2S406 + 6 Nal.

(3) K0CrX>7 4- 6 KI 4- 7 H.7S04 = 3 I2 4 K,S04 4- Cr„ (S04)3
+ 7 H20.

(4) 3 I2 4- 6 Na2S203 = 3 Na2S406 4- 6 Nal.

According to equations (1) and (2), one equivalent of Cr03
requires three equivalents of Na2S203, or the decinormal factor of
CrOs is one-third of 0-009988 or 0-003329. In the same way the

AnA5ust,^9oi!'m* 1 Chromic 'Acid and the Chromates. 397

decinormal factor of potassium bichromate is one-sixth of 0-029378 or
0-004896.

An examination of several samples of " chromic acid" gave the
following results :

Number.

Color of Crystals.

Sulphates.

Per Cent, of Cr03.

Aqueous Solution.

Brownish red

Much

6666

Clear

Dark crimson

None

9571

Iyight brick red j

60-53 per cent, calculated
as NaHS04, H20

} 38-28

59-76 per cent, calculated
as NaHS04, H20

} 38-89

Crimson j

4'2 per cent, calculated
as H2S04

} 93-83

There certainly is a marked difference in the physical appearance
of the above samples. No. 2 was of satisfactory quality. No. 5 was
a beautiful crystalline product and the writer was very much sur-
prised to get a reaction for sulphates. It also gave evidence of
containing a sodium salt. Nos. 3 and 4 were fairly good physically.
According to the above analysis they consisted of nothing but a
mixture of chromic acid and sodium acid sulphate, obtained by mix-
ing the proper proportions of sulphuric acid and sodium bichromate ;
Na2Cr207, 2 H20 + 2 H2S04 = 2 CrOs + 2 NaHS04 + 3 H20 ;
then evaporating the mixture to dryness. These samples may
have been intended for technical purposes, but no such information
could be found anywhere on the container. It appears to be the
custom of some manufacturers, however, to deliver some of their
goods without the semblance of a label as to contents or quality;
which appears to the writer to be a very dangerous practice.

The above method has also been applied to the soluble chro-
mates with satisfactory results.

Laboratory of Smith, Kline & French Co.

Dr. Charges Mohr, the well-known botanist, died July 17, at Asheville,
N. C. He was to be classed with the school of botanists who contributed so
much to the development of American Botany.

Dr. Henry C. C. Maisch, eldest son of the late Professor John M. Maisch,
died July 1st, in Philadelphia. In recent years he had devoted himself to phar-
maceutical chemistry and analytical work.

39«

Correspondence.

( Am. Jour. Pbarm.
\ August, 1901.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Procter Memorial.

In response to a letter from the editor of this Journal concern-
ing the feasibility of establishing a Research Laboratory as a
memorial to the life and work of Prof. William Procter, Jr., by the
American Pharmaceutical Association at its semi-centennial in 1902,
the following are some of the replies which have been received :

Dear Sir: — If sufficient money can be obtained from the phar-
macists of America to establish a properly equipped Research
Laboratory in Philadelphia, or elsewhere, it seems to me as if no
more fitting memorial could be started. Without doubt it is more
in accordance with the scientific spirit of the age than anything else
yet proposed. In every respect it is ideal in that it alone stands
forth as at once a blessing to the future and the payment of our
obligation to the past for the heritage of good things it has accu-
mulated for us.

Let us then, if possible, standing as we do in the very centre
of the first century of the American Pharmaceutical Association,
project into the second half of that century work that will show
that we had our hearts in the right place and sought in deeds more
than words to prove it. Such a laboratory could do far more for
the good of future pharmacists and for the future of the Association
than the same amount of money spent in any other direction con-
ceivable. Like a well of pure water it would ever flow on, making
the uncultivated and at present desert regions of pharmacy blossom
as the rose. A single important discovery made therein might
bring, in hard cash, to the pharmacists of the world all that the
project would cost and multiply that amount many fold. Other
proposals, hitherto made, can only give pleasure to a few. This
proposal covers the good of the whole race for all time to come
and if carried out will multiply blessings far beyond anything fore-
seeable. By all means let us try and establish a Research Labora-
tory, thus proving that we are really alive to the spirit of the

1 For other information and correspondence on this subject, see this Journal,
November, 1900, and February, March, April, May, June and July, 1901.

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
August, 1901, J

Corre spon dence.

399

twentieth century and not sessile, non-progressive imitators of the
methods of the nineteenth and earlier centuries.

Dear Sir : — -Responding to your letter of the 5th inst. relative to
the establishment of a research laboratory, in our opinion there is
but little room for discussion of the additional proposition or that
something of the kind will be an accomplished fact in the near
future. Regarding the management, scope and modus operandi of
such a laboratory, these will furnish ground for considerable discus-
sion and we are not prepared to express ourselves at the moment.
In view of the importance of individual research work that would
be connected with the better equipped manufacturing laboratories
of the country, the work of such a laboratory as you suggest would
naturally follow more general lines and should, we think, have
special reference to the needs of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. In the
writer's opinion there is room for vast improvement and additions
to this valuable work, and he would be glad to see a movement
inaugurated that would tend to bring our National Formulary up to
the standard of the times. Outside of this, there is a large field in
connection with the development of scientific pharmacy as opposed
to the commercialism which unfortunately is such a feature of the
day. The Wm. S. Merrell Chemical Company.

Cincinnati, O.

Dear Sir: — We acknowledge your favor of April 5th and beg
to state that we certainly approve of the idea mentioned, but we
hardly know how we can enter into any detailed discussion or
expression of opinion other than to endorse the project of a research
laboratory.

We are in favor of the undertaking, and we remain,

New York City. Lehn & Fink.

Dear Sir: — Referring to your favor of April 5th would say, that
in reference to the establishment of a research laboratory, that we do
not care to express ourselves for publication upon this project,
except that you are at liberty to use our name as favorable to the
scheme. Pressure of other matters prevents our taking part in the
discussion at the present time, although we may do so at a later
date. Johnson & Johnsom-

New Brunswick, N. J. F. B. Kilmer.

Brooklyn, N. Y.

R. G. Eccles.

400

Correspondence.

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
I August, 1901.

Dear Sir : — Your typewritten letter of February 9th forwarded
here where I am wintering.

I, of course, knew Mr. Procter intimately and well, and thought
very highly of him. I do not get the Journal, as I am many years
retired from any active part in my company, and now an aged man
waiting my time to pass over to the great majority.

Mr. Procter was an exceedingly modest man, and I feel as if his
best wish in regard to a memorial would be in establishing a schol-
arship or to secure a medal to the person (student) who did the best
work each year in some scientific institution in the line of study he
enjoyed most.

Thanking you for your letter, and wishing you success, I am

Very truly,

Cairo, Egypt. Frederick Stearns.

Dear Sir: — I do not know enough about the history of research
laboratories to give you an opinion worth anything, regarding the
probability of the success of such a project in this country.

Most of the discoveries in science are the result of work to an
objective point which is necessary either to the routine or success
of some purpose, and if a research laboratory were established by
the American Pharmaceutical Association, or by other joint owner-
ship, where skilled and confidential research could be had for a
fair consideration, I believe it would be measurably successful, but
it seems to me that it would be difficult to raise a large fund for a
laboratory in which the interest would be purely scientific and
unselfish, and the ends indefinite. Horatio N. Fraser.

New York City.

Dear Sir: — I am not exactly sure that I fully understand the
purport of your proposition upon which to base an intelligent
opinion.

The first essential to success in the establishment of a " Research
Laboratory," whether by itself or in connection with some pharma-
ceutical school, is an ample endowment, a definite revenue, sufficient
to attract and compensate the best talent. Upon this basis there
would be hope of progress and permanence, for decadence sets in
as soon as progress ceases. This principle applies to institutions as
well as to individuals.

Again, the field o! pharmaceutical research s already somewhat

Am. Jour. Pharm.)
August, 1901. J

.Correspondence.

occupied by the more or less complete equipment of our large
pharmaceutical manufacturing establishments, whose incentive is
not alone influenced by a sentimental love of science, but rather by
the hope of the material rewards following in the wake of successful
discoveries.

Human observation and experience teaches that the most enthu-
siastic advocates of the ideal and abstract are the most tardy in
handing out their cash in the realization of the positive and con-
crete.

As an ample endowment, then, must be the sine qua non to the
establishment of a research laboratory to commemorate the fiftieth
anniversary of the American Pharmaceutical Association, the con-
tribution to that end must be the measure of the sentiment in its
favor. John F. Patton.

York, Pa.

Dear Sir : — I should heartily favor the establishment of a
Procter Research Laboratory provided some benign pharmaceutical
Croesus could be found to furnish the necessary building fund and
an endowment of $250,000 or more. Possibly John D. Rockefeller
or your own John Wanamaker can be made to see the desirability
of adding a sister institution to the proposed medical research
laboratory about to be started by the Standard Oil magnate. At
present I feel confident that our wish cannot be realized and some
more modest memorial must be selected. I should favor, first, a
gold memorial medal like the Hanbury testimonial, to be awarded
every two or three years ; second a scholarship to be awarded every
two or four years. The first is more likely to be realized as it will
cost less money and is more likely to be within the grasp of the
A. Ph. A. The second would require a much larger fund to be raised
by outside subscription. Chas. Caspari, Jr.

Dear Sir: — Your request for an expression of opinion with
regard to the various suggestions for a suitable memorial for Prof.
Wm. Procter has received careful consideration.

(i) The proposition to establish a research laboratory at Wash-
ington is not, in my opinion, feasible ; not that the money could
not be raised to establish the laboratory, but the difficulty would be
to cany it on successfully for a term of years. It would be far
better not to attempt such an ambitious scheme, if it were noi

402

Correspondence.

Am. Jour. Pharni.
July, 1901.

reasonably certain that it could be maintained successfully and
creditably for a long time. To start such a laboratory and under
the excitement and enthusiasm of a semi-centennial meeting in
Philadelphia, collect the money with a " hurrah," and then find a
committee, writing begging letters a few years afterwards, to secure
the money for its maintenance, would in my opinion be anything
but complimentary to the memory of Professor Procter, and yet
this has been the history of many such movements.

(2) The proposition to erect a massive bronze monument, to be
placed in the City of Washington, in the Capitol Building, or the
Smithsonian, is an ambitious plan, without some of the faults of the
research laboratory scheme, but it has the disadvantage of being
something which would be utterly repugnant to Professor Procter
and it is not favored at all by the members of his family now living.

(3) The plan to establish a travelling scholarship, has an element
of instability about it which is not attractive. Such a scholarship
could, no doubt, be established and it might be maintained for four
or five years and then the committee might probably have to send
around begging letters to keep it up and the memory of William
Procter would suffer to such an extent that those who subscribed
would be apt to regret that they ever entertained such a project.
In addition to this, Professor Procter's life was spent in building up
American pharmacy, and whilst some European institutions are
greatly in advance of America in teaching chemistry, it has yet to be
shown that they are superior to the colleges and universities on
American soil in teaching pharmacy. We must net forget that
whilst Professor Procter was a chemist, pharmacy was the science
which he ennobled by his writings, his teaching and his experi-
ments.

(4) Mr. Whitney's plan of a well-designed certificate and medal to
be issued by the American Pharmaceutical Association, to be awarded
to worthy followers of Procter for special services or attainments,
would undoubtedly be practicable, and serve to extend the influence
of Procter's life amongst the present and future generations, and, in
my opinion, this is the direction in which the memorial should be
established, the guiding principle being to place before the young
pharmacists of America the life of William Procter, and keep it befou
them as long as possible. Now, to do this, a permanent fund must
be created, say 38,000 or £10,000. Let this sum be securely

Am. Jour. Pharm.)
August, 1901. J

Correspondence.

403

invested, which would probably yield $300 per annum ; this would
be sufficient to found a Procter Memorial gold medal to be awarded
annually to those who have rendered distinguished service to phar-
macy and collateral sciences, and be the American counterpart of
the British Fliickiger-Hanbury medal. This sum would also permit
the annual awarding of a smaller gold medal and beautifully en-
graved certificate to young American pharmacists by a plan like
that of ex-President Whitney's. My reasons for preferring these
two forms of memorials are, that in the first place the memory of
William Procter would be maintained for a much longer term of
years, and that the interests to which his life was devoted, i.e. that of
pharmaceutical education, would be most directly touched and bene-
fited by making the name and work of William Procter, household
words among the present and future generations of young pharma-
cists ; and, lastly, the plan is stable and permanent, because the
principal would be secured and in hand, and the interest devoted to
the objects named, with no cost for maintenance .

Joseph P. Remington.

Philadelphia.

Dear Sir : — Concerning the feasibility of establishing a Re-
search Laboratory under the auspices of the American Phar-
maceutical Asssociation, I entertain so much doubt that I would
rather not place myself on record except in so far that I should
consider its accomplishment a great step in advance. I take
this opportunity, however, to say something in reference to a
" Procter Memorial." It goes without saying that I am heartily
in favor of some emphatic recognition of the life-work of my dear
friend and teacher, the late Prof. Wm. Procter, Jr., by the American
Pharmaceutical Association, and I regard the approaching semi-
centennial meeting of that association as the most fitting time for
the purpose. I moreover heartily endorse the idea that the name
of Wm. Procter, Jr., should be coupled with that of Edward R.
Squibb, his life-long friend and most intimate co-laborer in the
cause of pharmaceutical advancement. As to the character of the
memorial — bearing in mind the natural modesty, earnestness of pur-
pose, and simplicity so characteristic of both, their averseness to all
ostentation — it seems to me that it would most fittingly take the
shape suggested by Dr. Frederick Hoffmann, namely, "the institu-
tion of a prize medal to be granted by the American Pharmaceu-

404

Correspondence.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
I August, 1901.

tical Association in recognition of superior discoveries or literary
accomplishments in the domain of theoretical and applied pharma-
ceutical sciences and arts." This medal, of appropriate and artistic
design, should be simply constructed of bronze; but its award
should carry with it — as something of substantial and permanent
value — a life membership in the American Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion, and prominent publicity in the printed proceedings of that
Association. C. Lewis Diehl.

Louisville, Ky.

Dear Sir: — Concerning the research laboratory; after having
revolved the matter carefully in my mind I give you herewith the
benefit of my decision, if of any value whatever to you. In my
opinion, a step in that direction would be desirable provided it
could be inaugurated in such a wray as to make it a success without
any question of doubt whatever. There must be no mistake of
management, there must be no error of judgment, and that we may
comprehend what we have to meet in this direction in order to
make the work creditable to the fiftieth anniversary of the Associa-
tion, I will take the liberty of jotting down a part of the problem
that has come to my mind since I began to reflect over the subject.

This research laboratory, if instituted, would have as friendly
rivals, or perhaps, I might say as friendly competitors for position,
the research work that is being done now in the universities of this
country, the colleges of pharmacy in this country and the great
manufacturing establishments. It would not be creditable to the
American Pharmaceutical Association to institute a research labora-
tory that would not in every way meet the work done in these other
directions. In order to accomplish this result a certain amount of
money would be necessary. Let us not close our eyes to this fact.
It is not a question of will, or wish, or hope or desire, but a ques-
tion of business. A research laboratory, in order to be a research
laboratory, must be conducted by men who make this work their
thought, by men who have the ability to act and to do, by men who
in order to have an opportunity to devote their time in this direc-
tion should be paid a salary commensurate with the responsibility
they take upon themselves. It should not be a charity matter, it
should not be an imposition on men who cannot afford to devote
their time in this direction, but it should be in every sense of the

AmiSsM9oaiym'} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 405

word a research laboratory conducted on broad grounds and con-
ducted by men of unimpeachable education.

The question is, then, in thinking over this matter, can such a
laboratory be founded ? A research laboratory that will not only
last for a day, or for a year, but for a period of time that will credit
the laboratory established by a great society on its fiftieth anniver-
sary of existence. In matters of this kind, the thought problem
which I present herewith, is, in my opinion, the first problem to
consider, and in matters of this kind it strikes me, persons enthu-
siastic, and justly so, in behalf of the work to be accomplished
should properly consider it fairly and squarely.

I will sum up by the single sentence. Admit without a question
that a research laboratory for the American Pharmaceutical Asso-
ciation is desirable and could be made creditable and useful under
proper conditions, ate the conditions such as to warrant us in moving
in this direction f Let me hope that the answer may be yes, and
that the answer to this part of the question may be a reply which
will make no doubt concerning the question of finances.

Cincinnati, O. John Uri Lloyd.

RECENT LITERATURE RELATING TO PHARMACY.

PRESENCE OF COPPER IN NUX VOMICA.

There have recently appeared in the pharmaceutical press, reports
of considerable quantity of copper found in nux vomica, even to
of 1 per cent. A. Beitter (Ber. dtsch. Ph. Ges., 1900, 411)
discusses the subject, reporting that his examinations of nux vomica,
while showing copper, indicated such minute quantities that assay-
ing was out of the question. He found in many cases that the cop-
per was not indicated by its well-known tests with hydrogen sul-
phide and with ammonia water. He, however, obtained positive
results from practically every specimen of nux vomica and ignatia
bean, and also from the seed of Strychnos Gaultheriana by testing
with the Klunger-Schar reaction, viz.: treatment of the suspected
copper compound with dilute solution of aloin, when a yellow color
results. A trace of sodium chloride and gentle warming brings red
color. This test he finds indicates copper in a I to 100,000
solution. H. V. Arny.

406 Pharmacy Laws and Legislation. {Al^gasrt,i9oirm'

EMODIN IN SENNA.

Tschirch and Hiepe~(Sch. Woch. Ch. u. Ph., 1900, 55) reports on
the assay of senna based on the quantity of emodin contained. The
results are somewhat surprising. For instance, the senna pods
yield more emodin (115 per cent.) than the leaves (-7 to 1 per cent.).
Moreover, the Alxeandria and Tripoli senna yield more emodin than
the much vaunted Tinnevelly senna, the latter yielding but -8 per
cent. Frangula yields 2*6 per cent, of emodin. Cascara sagrada -6
per cent., while rhubarb contains 1-5 per cent. This report seems
to show that in the purgative drugs, save perhaps senna, emodin is
not the sole active principle. H. V. A.

EXAMINATION OF COOKING OILS.

Comparing methods of distinction between olive, cotton seed, maw
seed and nut oils, Kreis and Grob (Schw. Woch. Ch. und Ph., 1901,
88), find Billier's reaction the best. This consists in shaking the oil
with a benzol solution of resorcin and with nitric acid, under which
treatment the color of olive oil is unchanged, while that of cotton-
seed and nut becomes red violet, and maw seed oil is turned brown
red. H. V. A.

PHARMACY LAWS AND LEGISLATION.

Contributed by Prof. J. H. Beai,, Scio, O.

DECISIONS OF INTEREST TO PHARMACISTS.

An interesting decision, although along the line of decisions in
similar cases, has been handed down by the Supreme Court of
Iowa in the case of Burgess vs. The Sims Drug Company.

In this case the defendant's clerk made a mistake in the prepara-
tion of an eye lotion which resulted in the loss of an eye to the

AmASu?t,Pi9o£m"} Pharmacy Laws and Legislation. 407

plaintiff. The line of the defendant's argument was that he had
exercised due care and caution in employing a graduate pharmacist
and therefore was not responsible, citing in defense of this position
that railways were not responsible for damages resulting from the
negligence of their surgeons, nor banks for the mistakes of their
notaries. The court denied the validity of this argument, holding
that as the practice of surgery was not the province of a railway
company, nor notarial services the business of a bank, these had
exercised due care and skill when they had selected properly quali-
fied surgeons and notaries, but that the filling of prescriptions
being the special province of a pharmacist, the latter could not
escape liability by delegating his own proper function to another
person.

In the case against Maurer, of Philadelphia, for the sale of
Canadian phenacetine in the United States, the United States Cir-
cuit Court, for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, has handed
down a decision affirming in general terms the validity of the Hins-
berger patent. As this was generally regarded as a test case, the
decision may fairly be regarded as settling the right of the patentee
and his assigns to the exclusive right to sell phenacetine within
the territories of the United States.

A temporary injunction has been obtained by Ralph P. Hoag-
land, a cutting druggist of Boston, in his suit against the Eastern
Drug Company and others, to restrain them from interfering with
the plaintiff's business. The allegations of the plaintiff's bill set
out that the defendants have interfered with his buying and selling
of drugs because he has refused to join the defendants' association
which seeks to maintain prices, etc.

A recent decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Court holds
that a person who pleads guilty of the illegal sale of intoxicating
liquors has been " convicted " within the meaning of the law which
authorizes the Board of Pharmacy to revoke the registration certifi-
cate of a druggist " convicted (for such offense) before a court of
competent jurisdiction."

Two recent Cincinnati decisions regarding the sale of poisons,
are of interest to pharmacists.

In one case the defendant druggist sold arsenic to a servant, a

408 Pharmacy Lazvs and Legislation. {Xm'J^i^m\m'

stranger, who claimed that the poison was desired for rats, but who
instead mixed the same with the breakfast oatmeal, causing the
dangerous illness of those who ate of the same. The petition being
demurred to, was held by the court to present a good cause of
action.

In the second case a colored boy purchased <( Rough on Rats "
which he placed in a pot of coffee, killing his brother and nearly
causing the death of his father. In deciding against the demurrer
to the complaint the court held, That (under the Ohio law) the sale
of a poison to a minor without a prescription renders the seller
responsible to the innocent sufferer from its administration.

Coincident with the extension of the work* of the N.A.R.D. came
the news of suits in different parts of the country brought by cut-
ters against the local associations for conspiracy in attempting to
prevent the cutters from obtaining supplies. As the conditions
are in a certain sense new, and unlike the cases in restraint of trade
which have heretofore engaged the attention of the courts, the out-
come of the cases will be watched with interest. The fortunes of
the several suits will probably vary with the manner in which the
issues have been presented by the pleadings, but it is coming to be
more and more recognized that manufacturers and others have the
right to require a contract from those who handle such goods to
sell them at the price agreed upon, and to enforce such contracts
when made.

ILLINOIS.

The Bill amending the Pharmacy Law has become a law, and
will be printed in a later number of this Journal.

Two other bills now pending require the formulas of proprietary
medicines to be printed upon the label, and still another would
require such preparations to have attached a copy of a certificate of
the Board of Health, stating that the preparation has been examined
by the Board, that it is harmless, and an appropriate remedy for
the disease for which it is recommended.

The so-called " Soda Fountain Bill " which sought to regulate
the structure of soda fountains and the manner of keeping syrups,
etc., has been defeated, as it ought to have been. The benefits to
be derived from such a law are largely, if not altogether, imaginary,
the injury done by it would have been real and immense.

AmA5usiPi5oirm'; Reviews and Bibliographical Notice s. 409

NEW YORK.

The bill to regulate the storage of explosive and combustible
substances in the city of New York, mentioned in the May number
of this Journal, alter passing both houses of the Legislature was
vetoed by the Governor on the ground that its provisions are
already embraced in the new charter which is to take effect January
i} 1902.

The Costello Bill, previously mentioned in this Journal, has been
enacted into law. While in some respects the bill is not far from
justice, as a whole it is not to be commended. It permits the dis-
pensing of medicines by physicians, allows general dealers to sell
domestic remedies, and authorizes the State Board to grant permits
without examination to persons having experience in dealing in
drugs and medicines to compound and dispense upon payment cf
an annual;fee of S3. 00. The text of the bill will be given in a later
issue.

PENNSYLVANIA.

A recently enacted law prohibits the distribution of trial
samples of medicines, dyes, inks, etc., in such form or manner as
will permit them to come easily into the hands of children, but
does not interfere with the distribution of such articles directly to
adults.

OTHER NEW LAWS.

Other laws have been enacted in California, Rhode Island, and
Nevada. The latter is quite a comprehensive measure, and presents
a number of commendable features. It is intended to print these
laws in full in a subsequent number of this Journal.

REVIEWS AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

Annual and Analytical Cyclop.ecia of Practical Medicine.
By Charles E. de M. Sajous and one hundred associate editors,
assisted by corresponding editors, collaborators and correspondents.
Illustrated with chromo-lithographs, engravings and maps. Vol.
VI. Philadelphia, New York, Chicago: F. A. Davis Company.
1901.

This volume is the last of the first series and contains, like

410 Reviews and Bibliographical Notices. {AnAjgMt.i5nfm'

the preceding volumes, a large number of valuable articles. Among
these maybe mentioned: "Rheumatism," by F. Levison ; " Dis-
eases of the Stomach," by D. D. Stewart ; " Surgery of the Stomach
and Intestines," by W. W. Keen and M. B. Tinker ; " Surgery of the
Spine," by R. H. Sayre; "Syphilis," by G. F. Lydston ; " Surgery
of the Urinary System," by J. W. White and A. C. Wood; "Dis-
eases of the Uterus," by H. T. Byford ; "Diseases of the Uterine
Adnexa," by E. E. Montgomery; Wounds and Injuries of the
Chest," by L. A. Stimson and E. L. Keyes, Jr., and " Yellow
Fever," by W. Wyman.

These remarkable books are probably not duplicated in medicine,
as they contain not only what is usual, in books on practice of
medicine, but considerable space is devoted to surgical subjects.
The progress of the past decade is recorded and in many instances
original work was instituted to solve the problems that the research
workers had not as yet attempted. The various specialties have re-
ceived consideration, the newer the rapeutics has been introduced
and, in short, everything has been done to make the work an origi-
nal, valuable and advanced encyclopaedia of the entire field of practical
medicine. The general index accompanying this volume is a model
of its kind, and illustrates how much matter is usually lost sight of in
the encyclopaedic works because of this lack of systematic arrange-
ment. There have been few books so ably edited, so full of infor-
mation, and so arranged that every subject on which information is
desired may be readily consulted.

Notes on Equation Writing and Chemical and Pharmaceu-
tical Arithmetic. Second edition, revised and enlarged. By J.
H. Beal. Pittsburg: The Calumet Publishing Company.

The first edition of this book was published by the author for the
benefit of his students, without any thought of a more extended cir-
culation. But as with all books on such subjects, if there is any-
thing to commend them, they are likely to be used in a much wider
sphere than is anticipated. This is the case with Beal's " Equation
Writing and Chemical and Pharmaceutical Arithmetic." The work
is a good pharmaceutical stoichiometry, and the chapters on equa-
tion writing will make the work of such value that it will doubt-
less replace Barker's " Chemistry," for this purpose, which has so
long been used by students beginning the study of chemistry.

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
August, 1901. J

Obituary,

411

The work consists of: Part I — Equation Writing; (1) General
Principles ; (2 and 3) Nomenclature, Notation and Classification of
the Elements, and Inorganic Compounds ; (4) the Writing of Chemi-
cal Formulae; (5) Construction and Interpretation of Equations;
(6) Oxidation and Reduction, Spelling and Pronunciation of Chemi-
cal Terms. Part II — Chemical and Pharmaceutical Arithmetic ; (7)
Important Data Employed in the Problems in Part II ; (8) Calcula-
tions Based on Chemical Formulae ; (9) Calculations Based on Equa-
tions; (10) Calculations Involving the Weights and Volumes of
Gases; (1 1) Calculations Involving the Weights, Volumes and Spe-
cific Gravities of Liquids and Solids; (12) Percentage Solutions and
Mixtures; (1 3) Alligation or Adjustment of Percentages and Spe-
cific Gravities.

There are a number of new things in the book, or rather a new
way of treating modern facts and theories, as in the use of the term
Microcrith ; the nomenclature of alkaloidal salts ; the theory of
doubled formulae, etc. The book is one which not only beginners
in chemistry will use with profit, but teachers and others will enjoy
having, as there is a good deal of valuable matter contained therein.

OBITUARY.

HANS M. WILDER.

Hans M. Wilder was born in the island of Iceland in March,
1 83 1. His parents were Danes and lived in the city of Copen-
hagen, Hans having been born while his parents were on a visit
to Iceland. He spent his boyhood in Denmark, entering the gym-
nasium when he was five years old. In his eleventh year he was
transferred to the Latin school. On account of his father's death,
and the straitened circumstances of the family, he was unable to
continue at school, and he was therefore apprenticed to an apothe-
cary; at the end of four years he took his junior examination, and
three and a half years afterwards passed his Major Candidatus.
While still a clerk in the drug store his mother died, and soon after
with a small sum of money which had been bequeathed to him, he
began to satisfy his roving disposition, going first to France, where
he stayed six months with a relative in Rheims. After travelling
through France he set sail for St. Croix, West Indies, and after be-
ing here three years he sailed for the United States in i860, land-

412

Obituary.

(Am. Jour. Phariru
1 August, 1901.

ing in Philadelphia. He subsequently travelled from Chicago down
the Mississippi on a steamboat to New Orleans.

In 1861 he returned to New York, and in 1863 he sailed for
Puerto Plata, San Domingo. He was present in this island during
one of the periodical revolts, and had some hairbreadth escapes^
sailed for New York, and subsequently, in Philadelphia, enlisted
as a surgeon steward on the " Tunxis " (a light draft monitor). He
did not relish a lite on the monitor, and going ashore, enlisted
in Company I, Thirty-fourth New Jersey Regiment, and was sent to
Cairo, 111. From here the Army of the Gulf went to New Orleans,
but before Hans Wilder saw a battle he was taken ill, and sent home
from Mobile Bay to New York.

Soon after he went to Chicago, where he was employed as a drug
clerk in different stores for two years. He then returned to New
York, and sailed for San Francisco, and upon his arrival here he
determined to try silver mining at Silver City, Nev. He was a sil-
ver miner for half a day, then went back to the drug business ; but
he was only three months in his position before he returned to San
Francisco, and a few months afterward he was a sailor before the
mast on his way to Liverpool.

From here he went to Copenhagen, only to remain a short time,
when he left for Philadelphia in 1868 ; here he bought a drug store
on Girard Avenue, which he sold out soon afterward, and bought
another at Fifth and Poplar Streets; this he sold out in 1876, and
then went again to New York as relief clerk.

From 1879 to 1881 he was the clerk of the College of Pharmacy
in the city of New York, then travelled to Detroit, Chicago, Cin-
cinnati and Louisville, and was called back to Detroit to edit the
New Idea for Frederick Stearns & Co. He stayed here for two
years, and then returned to Philadelphia, where he died January
25, 1901.

Hans M. Wilder was a pharmacist of ability, and he had rare
linguistic talents. He was particularly fond of making indexes and
abstracts from journals, having compiled indexes for the American
Journal of Pharmacy, Proceedings of the American Pharmaceutical
Association, and other scientific bodies. He frequently contributed
articles to the pharmaceutical journals ; " Polyhistor " was his nom
de plume, and he was engaged for two years as a writer for the
Druggists' Cinidar. Probably his most remarkable achievement was

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
August, 1901. J

* Obituary.

413.

the cataloguing and arranging of coin collections. His knowledge
of various languages was of great assistance here, while his careful,
accurate pharmaceutical habits were of much assistance in training
for this work.

His was a familiar figure in the halls ot the Philadelphia College
of Pharmacy, and he had an excellent working knowledge of phar-
maceutical and medical books in all languages. He was unmarried,
and up to the time of his death enjoyed good health. He died sud-
denly in the library of the American Philosophical Society, January
25, 1901, of a stroke of apoplexy, His sorrowing friends took
charge of the remains, which now lie peacefully in Northwood Cerne-

On October 24, 1900, this eminent medical practitioner passed
away at his home, in this city. He was born in Shotts, Lanark-
shire, Scotland, in 182 1. At the age of 17 he came to America and
shortly thereafter engaged in the drug business with John Bring-
hurst. He entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and was
graduated therefrom in 1842. His inaugural thesis was a meritori-
ous paper upon the bark of the American Aspen, Populus tremu-
loides, his investigation proving the presence of salicin as the
active constituent (American Journal of Pharmacy 1843, page

Subsequently, he was employed in the chemical laboratory of the
late Frederick Brown, and while engaged there he published several
contributions to pharmaceutical literature. His formulas for the
preparation of the scale salts of citrate of iron and citrate of iron
and quinine, which have since become popular remedies, attracted
considerable attention and in recognition of his skill the Franklin
Institute awarded him a certificate of merit. Dr. Turnbull is
credited with the discovery of the bleaching effect of sodium borate
upon ointments and oils.

Deciding upon the study of medicine he secured as his preceptor
Dr. John K. Mitchell and was graduated in 1845 fr°m tne Jefferson
Medical College.

For several winters he lectured at the Franklin Institute on
chemistry as applied to the arts.

In 1850, the chair of Materia Medica in the Philadelphia College
of Pharmacy became vacant by the resignation of Professor Joseph.

tery, Philadelphia.

J. P. R.

DR. LAWRENCE TURNBULL.

275).

414

Obituary.

(Am. Jour. Pharm.
I August, 1901.

Carson and Dr. Lawrence Turnbull was mentioned as a candidate
to fill the vacancy.

He selected as his special field of study the diseases affecting the
ear, and soon became recognized as an authority in this department
by such able surgeons as Professor D. Hayes Agnew and Professor
Samuel D. Gross.

He took great pleasure in establishing this department of tuition
in the Jefferson Medical College. For many years, he was also
connected with the Department of Diseases of Eye and Ear at the
Howard Hospital.

Dr. Turnbull contributed a number of valuable papers to medical
literature and also several text-books on diseases of the ear and
aural surgery which have been standard works and have added
greatly to his established international reputation as an authority
on Otology.

While only a short period of his life was occupied with the duties
of the apothecary, yet in the sphere of the pharmacist his ability
received the first recognition. His training in pharmacy and chem-
istry, undoubtedly, whetted his appetite for study and his ability for
keen observation that were prominent characteristics in his alter
success. , G. M. B.

WILLIAM R. WARNER.

William Richard Warner was born on December 25, 1836, in
Caroline County, Maryland. His parents dying when he was quite
young, he lived with an uncle for a short time, when the uncle
likewise died and thus William was thrown on his own resources
at a very early age.

He obtained a rudimentary education in a country school and
a limited course in the academy at Easton, Md.

He entered the employ of Chamberlain & Anderson, druggists,
of Easton, Md., and assiduously applied himself to mastering the
details of his chosen calling. He roomed in the loft over the store
and fortunately he found stored away here, a number of valuable
scientific books. With a yearning for more extensive acquaintance
with the sciences, William was not slow to take advantage of this
fortunate circumstance. The natural bent of his mind was demon-
strated and we find him studying geology, botany, palaeontology
and chemistry and applying them practically to his surroundings.

While a mere youth he is said to have contributed to the local

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
August, 1901. j

Obituary.

415

papers, several contributions on scientific subjects. He possessed
considerable skill as a taxidermist and made extensive collections
of birds.

Entering the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, he was graduated
therefrom in 1 85 6 and immediately engaged on a lecturing tour
through Pennsylvania, delivering a series of lectures on chemical
physics.

Mr. Warner opened a store at Second and Girard Avenue. Being
ambitious, he was not content with the retail business and grad-
ually engaged in manufacturing, and selling out his retail business,
he now located at 154 North Third Street as a wholesaler. He
engaged extensively in the manufacture of sugar-coated pills and
granules and sought foreign as well as home markets for his
products.

In 1876, the firm removed to a six-story building, 1228 Market
Street, and there engaged in manufacturing a more extended line of
pharmaceuticals. This building becoming inadequate for their
manufacturing business, a lot at Broad and Wallace Streets was
procured and a ten-story building, known as " Warner Hall," was
erected. Here the laboratories were established and after the dis-
astrous fire in 1899, which destroyed their Market Street building,
the entire business of the firm was removed to this place.

Wm. R. Warner joined the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in
1858 and was a life member. For several years after graduating
from the College he took quite an interest in matters relating to
scientific pharmacy and contributed a number of articles to phar-
maceutical literature, ten papers appearing in the American Jour-
nal of Pharmacy. For several years he served on the Herbarium
Committee, associated with the late Prof. John M. Maisch. Later,
the details of business engrossed his thoughts and here he exhibited
the same energy and avidity for mastering the problems of com-
merce and manufacture. He was also the possessor of a valuable
collection of paintings, especially rich in portraits of noted men.

Wm. R. Warner was taken ill in New York while on a business
trip and was brought home suffering from a general collapse. After
suffering for three weeks he was striken with a second stroke of
paralysis on the morning of April 3d and died in a short time. He
is survived by three sons, who will continue the business of manu-
facturing pharmacists under the old firm title. G. M. B.

416

Obituary.

f Am. Jour. Pharm
I August, 1901.

AUGUST WEBER.

Mr. August Weber, who was a member of the College for many
years, died March 7, 1901, at the age of 63 years. He was born at
Hessen-Darmstadt, July 12, 1838. He was educated in Germany,
and entered a drug store to learn the business. He pursued his
studies in chemistry and pharmacy at the University of Giesen,
graduating from that institution. He came to this country in 1857,
and went to Allentown, where he took charge of Mr. Clump's drug
store. He moved to Ashland in . 1 861, and three years later came
to Philadelphia, where he opened a drug store at 634 Washington
Avenue. In 1 866 he removed to the corner of Sixth Street and
Washington Avenue, where he successfully carried on his business
till the time of his death. He became a member of the College
June 4, 1872, and while prevented by his duties from attending its
meetings, he always took a lively interest in pharmacy, and spent
considerable time in reading the literature related to that subject.
Mr. Weber was exceedingly conscientious and exact in all his work
and dealings, a good and kind husband and father, upright and just
and respected by all who knew him. In the spring of 1897 Mr.
Weber had an attack of sickness, and by the advice of his physi-
cian went abroad and spent several months in his native land, seek-
ing rest and renewed strength. He returned much benefited, and
was able to resume his duties up to the present year, when he was
stricken with paralysis, which, in a short time, was followed by his
death. He leaves a widow and five sons and a daughter. One of
his sons, Herman Weber, continues the business. G. P.

JAMES G. WELLS.

James G. Wells was born June 24, 1839, near Port Kennedy, in
Norriton Township, about two miles from Norristown, Pa. His
parents were William Ellis and Hepsey (Norris) Wells. He was a
descendant of Isaac Norris, who was the close friend of William
Penn, and owner of the greater part of Norriton Township, includ-
the present site of Norristown.

His father died while he was quite young, and the family subse-
quently removed to Norristown. He was educated at the school of
Rev. Samuel Aaron, in Norristown.

In 1856 he came to Philadelphia and engaged in the drug busi-
ness with David Stackhouse, at Eighth and Green Streets, and enter-

A,ASSt,i«5fm-} Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. 417

ing the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy he was graduated there-
from in i860. In August, 1862, he entered the Union Army as
Hospital Steward of the 138th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, and served as such until the close of the war.

He then secured the drug store at Ninth and Spring Garden
Streets. He was a man of sterling qualities, and successfully con-
ducted his business here for twenty-eight years, when he disposed
of his store and retired.

Mr. Wells joined the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1872,
and was a life member. He was a prominent Mason, and a mem-
ber of Post No. 2, G. A. R. He was a director of the People's
Bank. He was greatly interested in the work ot the Spring Garden
Soup Society, of which he was President for many years.

Mr. Wells married Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth
Walker, of Chester Valley, who, with one daughter, Hepsey Norris
Wells, survives him.

For several years Mr. Wells had been in declining health, and
had two slight strokes of paralysis within a year. He died suddenly
on July 19, 1900, of angina pectoris, in Chester Valley, where he and
his wife and daughter had been accustomed to spend the summer
months. C. A. W.

PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY.

The quarterly meeting of the members of the Philadelphia College of Phar-
macy was held June 24, 1901, the President, Howard B. French, in the chair ;
twenty-five members were present. The minutes of the annual meeting, held
March 25th, were read and approved as read.

The minutes of the meeting of the Board of Trustees for April and May
were read by the Registrar, W. Nelson Stem, and approved as read. The
minutes of the June meeting were not read, the President ruling that as
they had not been approved by the Board it would be premature for the College
to approve them.

Mr. Beringer, for the Committee on Necrology, presented the report for the
year. He stated that he had been assisted by other members of the College
and would read the memoirs except that of Dr. E. R. Squibb by title, and
moved their acceptance and that they be referred to the editor of the Journal
for publication. So ordered.

Memoirs were presented of August Weber, prepared by Gustavus Pile ; of
Wm. R. Warner and Dr. Lawrence Turnbull, prepared by George M. Beringer ;
James G. Wells, prepared by Dr. C. A. Weidemann ; of Dr. E- R. Squibb and
Hans M. Wilder, by Prof. Joseph P. Remington ; of Dr. Theodore Husemann,
by Prof. Henry Kraemer.

The Committee on Resolutions on the death of Dr. Charles Rice, consisting

41 8 Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. {A^™srt,?£jLrm-

of Messrs. Remington, Beringer and Kraemer, presented the following, which
was adopted :

Whereas, The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy has learned of the death
on Monday, May 13,^ 1901, of our esteemed honorary member, Charles Rice,
Ph.D., Ph.M., Chairman of the Committee of Revision of the United States
Pharmacopoeia, be it therefore,

Resolved, That we hereby express our appreciation of his great natural
ability, scholarly attainments and nobleness of character, which not only gained
for him the profound admiration of the pharmaceutical and medical professions
throughout the world, but which endeared him to all who either came in con-
tact with him personally or who had more remote relations with him.

The enormous amount of efficient work that he accomplished on the United
States Pharmacopoeia during the last twenty years as Chairman of the Revi-
sion Committee has done much toward elevating our national standard to its
acknowledged advanced scientific standing. His personality is indelibly
impressed on its pages and his influence will extend throughout future revi-
sions, and thus continue to attest his especial fitness for conducting Pharmaco-
pceial work.

Perfection of style, simplicity and thoroughness have always characterized
his contributions to pharmaceutical literature, and not less marked has been
his willingness to sacrifice time, efforts and means to advance the interests of
his profession.

The results accomplished during his life remain as a lasting memorial, more
impressive than any monument in his honor, and one which will always appeal
to the pharmacist as an ideal worthy of our emulation.

Resolved, That the officers and members of the Philadelphia College of
Pharmacy by this memorial minute, desire to express their profound sorrow at
the removal by death of this unselfish and zealous worker in the field of phar-
macy, and to record their admiration for the personal character and services of
Dr. Charles Rice, and with it their appreciation of the immeasurable loss
which American pharmacy has sustained by his demise, a loss which must be
severely felt throughout the pharmaceutical world.

The President appointed the following committees : Committee on Necrol-
ogy, George M. Beringer, Prof. Henry Kraemer, Gustavus Pile. Committee
on Nominations, Joseph W. England, Harry D. Stiles, Jacob M. Baer, Theodore
Campbell, Henry C. Blair.

Dr. C. B. Lowe alluded to the botanical specimens gathered in the vicinity of
Washington, Pa., by Mr. Isaac M. Weills, and donated to the College by him,
and moved that a vote of thanks be tendered the donor, which was adopted.

Communications were read from Charles Mohr, of Asheville, N. C, Helen
Abbott Michael, of Boston, Mass., and Prof. Dr. Arthur Meyer, of Marburg,
Germany, acknowledging receipt of notification of their election to honorary
membership in the College. Professor Kraemer also read a portion of a letter
from Dr. Charles Rice which he received a short time before his death, in
which he expressed his appreciation of his election as an honorary member in
this College.

Two applications for membership were received and referred to appropriate
committees. C. A. WeidEmann, M.D.,

Secretary.

EDWARD ROBINSON SQUIBB, M.D.

THE AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY

SEPTEMBER, igoi.

EDWARD ROBINSON SQUIBB, M.D.

By Joseph P. Remington.

Edward Robinson Squibb was born in Wilmington, Del., July 4,
1 8 19. His parents were James R. Squibb and Catherine H., his
wife. His early education was received in Wilmington, and at the
age of eighteen he was apprenticed to Warder Morris, a druggist
in Philadelphia, and from 1837 to x^42 ne learned the drug business
with the houses of Warder Morris and J. H. Sprague.

He had long desired to acquire a medical degree, and he rightly
judged that there could be no better preparation for his work than
experience in the drug business. In addition to this, as his parents'
means were slender, he could earn something, and, at least, be self-
supporting during these early years of study.

As is so often the case with distinguished men, these early
years were not marked by any especial aptitude for medicine or
pharmacy, as he was himself frequently heard to declare. In 1842,
at the age of twenty-three, he matriculated in Jefferson Medical
College, of Philadelphia, and received the degree of Doctor from that
College on March 20, 1845.

His steadiness and ability were at once recognized by his Alma
Mater, and he was elected Assistant Demonstrator of Anatomy,
Curator of the Museum and Clerk of the Clinic.

He practised medicine in Philadelphia until 1847, when he con-

1The accompanying likeness of Dr. Squibb first appeared in the Medical
News, November 3, 1900, trie photograph having been made two years before
Dr. Squibb's death. — Editor.

(419)

420

Edward Robinson Squibb, M.D.

/Am. Jour. Piiarm
t September. 1901,

eluded to enter the Navy, and, passing the examination before the
Naval Board, received his commission as Assistant Surgeon in the
United States Navy on April 26, 1847, the- document bearing the
signature of James K. Polk, then President or the United States, and
J. Y. Mason, Secretary of the Navy.

At the close of the Mexican War he was assigned to service on
U. S. Brig " Perry;" subsequently, the " Perry " was engaged in
breaking up the South American slave trade, which was then actively
carried on by vessels owned in the United States. He saw active
sea service for four years, and became, as he often said, very tired of
having so little to do. In January, 1852, he was fortunately ordered
to the Naval Hospital in Brooklyn, which at that time had for its
Director, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Bache, a worthy member of a dis-
tinguished family whose services to their country should never be
forgotten.

While serving in the Navy, Dr. Squibb had abundant opportu-
nities of observing the poor quality of many of the medical sup-
plies furnished to the Navy ; these goods were bought upon the
contract system, and from the lowest bidders; but through the efforts
of Dr. Bache, Dr. Squibb and other officers, Congress was induced
to make an exception in the case of medical supplies and gunpow-
der, and " quality first and price second '' became the rule of the
Department.

In addition to this, the Navy Department was authorized to estab-
lish a pharmaceutical laboratory for the manufacture of important
articles on the list of naval supplies. This laboratory was organized,
built and equipped with the names of Dr. Benjamin Franklin Bache
as Director, and Dr. Edward Robinson Squibb as Assistant Direc-
tor, in 1852. At this time, ether was coming into general use as an
anaesthetic, and it was here, probably, that ether was first made by
steam heat, thereby lessening the great danger of explosions and
accidents through the inflammability of the liquid and its vapor. But
one thing is certain, that Dr. Squibb gained in his small laboratory
a practical knowledge and experience in manufacturing which was
destined to yield enormous results.

The success of this laboratory induced Dr. J. Lawrence Smith to
make a proposition to build, equip and start a similar enterprise in
the city of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Squibb accepted the proposition,
and in 1857 he resigned his commission in the Navy and returned
to civil life.

^ptemberS*) Edward Robinson Squibb, M.D. 421

In 1858, the naval laboratory, having proved its value to the
government, attracted the attention of the War Department, but
opposition to the establishment of an army laboratory was devel-
oped, and Dr. Squibb was induced by Dr. R. S. Satterlee, Chief
Medical Purveyor of the Army, to establish a laboratory of Irs
own, and sell to the Army such of the products as might be
required.

Towards the close of the year 1858 the four-story brick building,
No. 149 Furman Street, Brooklyn, was secured, and Dr. Squibb at
last found himself in the position towards which he had been looking
forward for many years, that of owning and directing a laboratory
where he would be untrammeled by traditions of any kind, and
have the opportunity of establishing his own standards. This
laboratory had for its nucleus the furnishing of such supplies to the
Army as were needed, but it could readily be seen that the medical
wants of an army of 25,000 men would not support even a labora-
tory of this size. The medical profession of Brooklyn at once took
a great interest in this movement, and success was fairly in sight,
when, on the evening of December 24, 1858, the building was
entirely destroyed by fire, and the owner so badly burned that his
life was despaired of for many months; but his strong constitution,
the enthusiastic attentions of his medical friends in Brooklyn,
coupled with the devoted services of his wife, saved him. But his
face and hands were badly disfigured for life through the burning
ether which was thrown on his face.

The accident occurred through the carelessness of one of the
employees overturning a bottle of ether on the counter, the liquid
quickly taking fire from an alcohol lamp which was burning some
distance away. Dr. Squibb's face and hands were very badly
burned in attempting to save his books, and when he emerged from
the building he could scarcely be recognized. Kind friends took
him home, and his wife was summoned, she happening to be with
her sister at the time. A sad shock awaited her when she found
the doctor lying quietly on his bed, but suffering terribly. It was
undoubtedly the saddest Christmas Eve that they ever experienced.
For months his life hung in the balance, and when he emerged
from his room, no trace of his once handsome features remained.
His eyelids were everted permanently, and lor many years he was
compelled to wear protectors when out in the open air, during the

422 Edward Robinson Squibb, M.D. {^pfembeM™'

winter season. This accident greatly influenced the doctor's future
life. Having a sensitive disposition, he shrank from publicity, and
when he was compelled to meet strangers, he knew that even if
they were polite enough not to ask him the cause of his disfigure-
ment, that they would feel a curiosity to know the details of the
accident. A little incident which occurred when the writer was
crossing in the ferryboat in company with the Doctor will illus-
trate some of the daily annoyances to which he was subjected. A
badly bred young girl, noticing his eye protectors, rushed up in front
of him, and barring his way as he passed through the cabin, ex-
claimed loudly, " Why just look. at this man; he's got no eyes ! "
The doctor simply and quietly said, " No, little girl, I can see well
enough ; " but the cheerful tone of his conversation stopped
instantly, and it could be easily seen why he never cared to be
prominent in such mixed company. He never spoke of these
annoya'nces, and rarely alluded to his accident, and then never com-
plainingly. The tears ran from his eyes continually, some of the
ducts being partially destroyed or injured permanently. And when
to this is added the fact that for forty-two years he was compelled
every night to strap his eyelids together with strips of isinglass
plaster in order to obtain rest for them, one can form some idea of
the lasting results of that unfortunate Christmas Eve fire.

His indomitable spirit, however, was not quenched; he set to
work with more determination than ever. His medical friends
never deserted him ; they furnished him capital, and by the middle
of 1859 the laboratory was rebuilt and active work resumed. Upon
the outbreak of the Civil War, in 1861, the needs of the Army
became very large, and additional buildings were hired and equipped,
and for the time, run night and day, but under such ^disadvantages
that in 1862 another site was purchased and a large and commodi-
ous laboratory was erected on Doughty Street, Brooklyn, which was
occupied January 1, 1863.

These laboratories have been models ever since their erection.
Their massive walls and foundations and solid floors bespoke the
character of the man. Nothing for show or ornament, but every-
thing for simplicity, stability and strength.

Dr. Squibb had an especial aptitude for devising apparatus, and
he not only exercised his talents in this direction constantly, but he
was willing to give freely the result of his labors to any who called

As?^SbeMwiT'} Edzvard Robinson Squibb, M.D. 423

upon him. He more than once furnished working plans to his
competitors in business for the famous apparatus for making ether.
He did not believe it proper from a scientific point of view, to with-
hold any secrets in manufacturing from those who were interested
in the work. The files of the American Journal of Pharmacy
reveal many cuts and drawings which were used to illustrate his
numerous pharmaceutical papers, which he freely furnished to his
friend, Prof. William Procter, the former editor of this publication-
We find by consulting this Journal that his first paper was pub-
lished in 1855, and was entitled "Preparation of Citrate of Iron and
Quinine and its Constituents." After this appeared the following:

1855. Examination of the Sulphate of Quinine of Powers &

Weightman.

1856. Elementary Analysis of Sperm Oil.
On Spiritus Aetheris Nitrosi.

Apparatus for Preparing Ether by Steam Heat.
Improved Method for Carbon and Hydrogen Determina-
tion in Organic Analysis.

1857. Examination of Grain Weights.
Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum.

Oleum Aethereum and Spiritus Aetheris Compositus.
On Tinctura Ferri Chloridi.

On Hydrargyrum cum Creta and Pilulae Hydrargyri.
On the Manufacture, Impurities and Tests of Chloroform.

1858. On the Purification of Liquids in a State of Vapor.
On a New Apparatus for Rectifying Spirits.

On the Process of Percolation.

1859. On the Revision of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia.

1860. On Opium as a Therapeutic Agent.

Observations upon- Some Formulae and Processes that
may be Brought Forward for Admission into the Next
Pharmacopoeia.

1 86 1. On Oleum Aethereum.

1863. On Statistics and Assay of Virgin Scammony.
On Extractum Cinchonas Fluidum.

1864. On Permanganate of Potassa.

1866. Economy of Alcohol in Percolation in Making the Fluid
Extracts.
Advice on Epidemic Cholera.

424 Edward Robinson Squibb, M.D. {^^SS/SSSl-

1867. Letter Relative to Alcoholic Extract of Colocynth.
On an Improved Formula for Fluid Extract of Buchu.
Pharmacy of the Cinchonas.

Calx Saccharatum and Syrupus Calcis.

1868. On the Economy of Alcohol in Percolation.
On the Preparation of Resin of Podophyllum.
On Podophyllum Pills.

On Commercial Jalap.
Syrupus Ferri Iodidi.
On Syrupus Calcis.

1869. On Carbolic Acid or Coal Tar Creosote.

On the Contamination of Hydrochloric Acid with Oxides
of Sulphur.

1870. On Liquor Opii Compositus.
1872. Note on Pareira.

1878. Fluid Extracts by Repercolation.
Hydrobromic Acid.

1879. Minim Pipettes.
1882. Opium Assay.
1884. Aconite Root.

1887. Cascara Sagrada.

1888. Notes on Antipyretics.

1890. Pharmacopceial Revision and Assays.

1895. Improvement in the Manufacture of Acetone.

1896. Acetone and Acetone Chloroform.

1898. Acetic Acid as a Menstruum.

1899. Acetic Acid as a Substitute for Ethyl Alcohol in the

Extraction of Drugs. First and Second Papers.

1900. Acetic Acid as a Substitute for Ethyl Alcohol in the

Extraction of Drugs. Third and Fourth Papers.

He joined the American Pharmaceutical Association in 1858,
becoming a life member in 1900. He received the unusual compli-
ment of being made Vice-President at the first meeting at which he
was elected a member. The proceedings of the Association con-
tain many papers of great practical and scientific value emanating
from his pen. It is hardly necessary to say that he was many times
asked to accept the presidency, which he always politely declined.

The papers which he contributed to the American Pharmaceu-
tical Association were as follows:

pSe^i™'} Edward Robinson Squibb, M.D. 425

1858. On Preparations of the Pharmacopoeia.

1860. On Oleum Aethereum.
Remarks on the Sale of Poisons.
Remarks on the Subject of Alcohol.

1 861. On Virgin Scammony.

On Bleaching Morphine Sulphate.

1862. On Amendments to Processes of the Pharmacopoeia.
Preparations of Metallic Mercury.

1863. Report on Drug Market.

1865. Economy of Alcohol in Repercolation.
Remarks on Revenue Law.
Remarks on Vacuum Apparatus.

On Press Cloths.

1866. Improved Process for Fluid Extract of Buchu.
Report on the Internal Revenue Law.

1867. Commercial Jalap.
Repercolation.

1868. Contamination of Hydrochloric Acid with Oxides of

Sulphur.
Hydrocyanic Acid.
Note on Carbolic Acid.
Note on Rhubarb.
Specimens of Indigenous Drugs.

1869. Note on Rhubarb.
Report on Pharmacopoeia.

1870. Fluid Extracts and their Menstruum.
Note on Rhubarb.

Remarks on Chloral.
Aconite Poisoning.-

1 87 1. Cantharides and a Blistering Liquid.
Chloral.

Commercial Bicarbonate of Soda.

Extract of Jalap.

Fluid Extract of Senega.

Litmus Paper.

Pareira.

Rhubarb.

1872. Citrate of Bismuth and Ammonia.
New Form of Percolation.

426 Edward Robinson Squibb, M.I). {A£ptZhe^m™-

Note on Aconite Root.
Note on Aloes.
Note on Rhubarb.
Note on Triplex Pills.
Acid Phosphoric Glacial.
1873. Bumping of Distilled Spirits.
Ergot and its Preparations.
General Apparatus Stand.
Note on Rhubarb.
Physicians' Pocket Cases.

1876. Administration of Phosphorus.
Revision of the Pharmacopoeia.

1877. Salicylic Acid.

1878. Fluid Extracts by Repercolation.

On January r, 1882, Dr. Squibb commenced the publication of a
pharmaceutical journal which he called An Epliemeris. The an-
nouncement, which he wrote (see page I of the journal), is so thor-
oughly characteristic that the following abstracts are here quoted :
" It will be sent gratuitously to all. No subscribers are solicited, nor
any subscription list kept, nor are exchanges with other journals
asked for. It may be issued bi-monthly or quarterly, or irregularly,
or not at all, as the occupations of a very busy life may determine.
The contents should be accepted, if at all, as information — not as
knowledge. To the professions of Medicine and Pharmacy them
whatever may be here offered is respectfully dedicated by the writer
and his two sons."

The publication of the Epliemeris afforded Dr. Squibb and his
sons an outlet for the dissemination of a vast deal of information
which came to them in the course of their business and professional
lives. Five volumes had appeared up to the time of his death, and
2551 pages, and the journal has always proved a most welcome vis-
itor to the members of both professions.

Dr. Squibb possessed in a remarkable degree, the faculty of im-
parting information. It may be said that he always took delight in
explaining in detail the working of an apparatus, a process, a theory,
or in fact, anything which had been to him a subject of thought or
labor. Many of his papers have seemed to thoughtless or uninter-
ested readers to be prolix or verbose, but his large experience had
taught him the value of detail in his business. He had spent

AsS*S&SSSF*l Edward Robinson Squibb, M.D. 427

thousands of dollars in devising apparatus, only to find that some
important detail had been omitted, and time had been lost and
money wasted until the defect was remedied, and if the careless
reader had realized these facts, criticism would certainly have been
withheld.

Sterling honesty, and right because it was right, were his guiding
principles. If an error occurred in making a preparation in the
laboratory, the standing rule was to report it at once. The writer
well remembers an occasion when some mistake was made in the
menstruum for a lot of fluid extract of cinchona. It contained pos-
sibly 10 per cent, too much or too little alcohol. The culprit, a
most worthy German pharmacist, appeared before the doctor and
confessed his sin. Without a moment's hesitation the doctor said,
" That's too bad, that's too bad; empty it all down the culvert;"
and fully $500 worth of fluid extract of cinchona found its way into
the East River.

The writer had the hardihood to ask the doctor, a week after the
occurrence, why this had been done. The answer has never been
forgotten. He admitted that it would be possible to make an equal
lot of fluid extract of cinchona with the menstruum so altered that
when the two were mixed the result would have the proper alco-
holic strength; he turned almost fiercely and said, "Such work can
never be done in this laboratory. These mistakes are costly, but
the example and lessons to be learned are valuable, and I will not
permit a patched up fluid extract to leave this place." He never
referred again to the incident, but it may well be said that mistakes
of that kind were never made again.

When the College of Pharmacy of the City of New York was
younger and lacked the financial support it has since secured, Dr.
Squibb gave it his services as a teacher without remuneration. This
was in 1869-71, when the faculty consisted of Professor Chandler,
Professor of Physics and Chemistry; Dr. Squibb, Professor of Phar-
macy, and Dr. Day, Professor of Botany and Materia Medica. At
a meeting of the college, held in October, 1900, it was resolved to
present an engrossed testimonial to Dr. Squibb, the occasion of this
token ol appreciation, being the rounding out by the Doctor of his
four score years.

He was a member of the American Medical Association, the New
York State Medical Association, the Kings County Medical Asso-

428

Edward Robinson Squibb, M.D.

I Am. Jour. Pharm.
( September, 1901.

ciation, and a life member of the New York Society for the Relief ot
Widows and Orphans of Medical Men. He was elected an honor-
ary member of the British Pharmaceutical Conference in October,
1872, and an honorary member of the Pharmaceutical Society ot
Great Britain on May i, 1878. The degree of Master in Pharmacy
was conferred on him February 6, 1 894, by the Philadelphia College
of Pharmacy. He was elected a member of the American Chemical
Society on March 3, 1877. He was a resident member of the Lin-
nean Society in New York, a life member and Fellow of the Brook-
lyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, a Fellow of the American Asso-
ciation for the Advancement of Science, and a member of the
American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia.

Dr. Squibb took a most active part in the development and
improvement of the United States Pharmacopoeia since the i860
Revision. He was a member of the committee at that time, but in
subsequent revisions he declined membership in the committee,
but, nevertheless, rendered most valuable service until almost the
day of his death.

An incident in connection with Pharmacopoeia revision in i860
was told the writer by Professor Procter, and it is reproduced be-
cause it is characteristic of the man. The meetings of the Com-
mittee were held periodically in Philadelphia, and Dr. Squibb came
over from New York and spent the day in the Quaker City with
his friend Procter. The meetings were held at Dr. George B.
Wood's residence. The subject under discussion on one occasion
was aloes, Dr. Squibb stating that the commercial aloes which
came to this market was filled with mechanical impurities of all
sorts — sticks, stones, earth, goatskins, bits of iron and. lead, etc., etc.
Dr. Wood, Professor Procter, Alfred B. Taylor, and other members
of the committee thought that Dr. Squibb was exaggerating, and
one of them said playfully, that New York aloes might have all of
those impurities in it, but he did not believe that the aloes imported
into Philadelphia was of that character. Thus challenged, Dr.
Squibb promptly asked Professor Procter to buy the best cask of
aloes he could get in Pniladelphia, on his account, ship it to New
York, and he would melt and soften the aloes, adding alcohol and
water, strain it, weigh the impurities, ascertain the percentage, and
send to the committee the record with the package containing the
debris, accompanied by a sample of the purified product.

AsfptJembeSr-} Edward Robinson Squibb, M.D. 429

The result was profoundly surprising to the committee. It
showed conclusively that there was not an original package of aloes
brought into the country which was not loaded up with gross
impurities. The committee acknowledged the result of the doctor's
work, and Aloe Purificata has been retained in every revision of the
Pharmacopoeia since.

In reviewing the life of Dr. Squibb, one cannot help being
impressed with his striking individuality. He never forgot or
minimized the importance of his mission. He consecrated his life
to the object of furnishing honest medicines for the relief of disease,
and naturally his laboratory work had the first place ; morning,
noon, and night found him there. Habits of order and cleanliness
he instilled in all who were under his guidance or instruction. He
hated a lie, even a little one, and he was always the soul of honor.
To many he appeared to be stern ; it was true he was never yield-
ing or weak. One could almost say in advance just where to place
Dr. Squibb upon any question. He delighted in original investiga-
tion and chemical research if they had any bearing upon making
medicines. Abstract subjects he took little interest in* although he
was fond of arguing upon such subjects, but he would not waste
time upon anything which he did not believe productive of results
of immediate practical value to mankind.

His standards of purity for pharmaceutical products were the
highest attainable, and he believed that if he was to work long
enough and hard enough, keeping his eye single to this one object,
the time would come when his labors would be recognized, and it
can' safely be said that he lived to see the time when they were not
only appreciated by his fellows, but substantially rewarded.

His liberality in giving aid to all who were in sympathy with his
life purposes was shown at all times. He never hesitated to share
with others the benefits of his great ingenuity and wide experi-
ence, but probably his greatest influence in the advancement of
chemical science lay in the encouragement and assistance which he
gave to young men, so that his services to the profession were far
reaching, not only on account of the enormous volume of work
which he himself accomplished, but als3 because he enabled others
to do much.

In the latter part of his life, a number of years were spent in
foreign travel, in Europe and the Orient, Russia, Norway and

430 Edward Robinson Squibb, M.D. {^^SS'

Sweden, Germany — in fact, there was scarcely a country which he
had not visited.

He died early in the evening of October 25, 1900, at his home,
152 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, after only a few hours' confine-
ment to his room ; his suffering was mainly due to difficulty
in breathing. The immediate cause of his death was cardiac
dyspnoea, due to occlusion of the coronary artery.

Dr. Squibb enjoyed excellent health during the greater part ot
his life. He took regular exercise in his gymnasium until his eye-
sight failed, and he was thus incapacitated. He bore suffering
stoically. He was very punctual in his habits, keeping his engage-
ments conscientiously, and followed a regular plan, with fixed times
for performing his duties, and his industry was amazing. He had
a natural taste for art and was an excellent judge of painting, of
which he was especially fond. Without being luxurious in his
tastes, and knowing the value of works of art, he enjoyed the pos-
session of the rare and beautiful objects, which denotes a cultured
and refined mind. He married, on October 7, 1852, Caroline
Lownds Cook, daughter of Elisha Worth Cook and Lois Crowell
Cook, of Philadelphia. His widow and the following three chil-
dren survive him : Edward Hamilton Squibb, M.D.; Charles Fel-
lows Squibb and Mrs. John Munro (Mary King Squibb). The sons
were graduated from Harvard University, and both have succeeded
to the business founded by their father.

American Pharmacy lost one of its greatest exponents and its
sturdiest figure when the summons came by the grim messenger,
to a higher life. Eighty years were vouchsafed to him, and he was
honest, not from policy, but because it hurt him sorely to be other-
wise, and surrounded as he was by those who sought temporary
advantage by questionable business practices, trickery or even
doubtful methods, his life work was carried on in the face of active
warfare. It would be impossible for any one to meet him and then
forget him ; he stamped his personality indelibly on one's memory.
He wras a leader among leaders.

He might wound the feelings of some by the frank, outspoken
condemnation of what he believed to be wrong, but it was the sin
and not the sinner that he denounced. It would be impossible for
him to yield to any course of doubtful morality. He often stood
alone and would make no effort to win others to his views when

As^pSef,hi9oim*} International Congresses. 431

they were founded on principle and the rock of truth itself. In
non-essentials he would often yield because he knew that the great
principles for which he contended, would be all the stronger
if he did not degenerate into a mere pessimist or chronic objector.
He loved to quote when standing alone, bereft of the support of his
friends on some important question, the famous words of the orator,
" God a7id one are a majority."

THE INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL
CONGRESSES.

By Dr. Fr. Hoffmann.

( Concluded from p. 383. )

A FURTHER MOVE TO HAVE THE CONGRESS MEET IN THE UNITED

STATES.

The choice of Milan as the place for convening the seventh
meeting of the International Pharmaceutical Congress had been
made without a preceding invitation by, or inquiry at, Italian
pharmaceutical associations. The choice, however, was politely
accepted by them and a general committee on organization formed
consisting of Professors Cannizzaro, of Rome, Vitali, of Milan, Dr.
Pessina, of Milan, and Messrs. Castoldi and Ventutini, of Milan. This
committee, as well as that of the Pharmaceutical Societies of Lom-
bardy, made strenuous efforts for a creditable and successful consum-
mation of the duty imposed upon them. Invitations \vere sent out, but
again repealed and the time of meeting postponed for another year.
In 1889 a new law affecting the admission to, and the exercise of,
the practice of pharmacy had been promulgated in Italy and en-
gaged the interest and anxiety of the pharmacists to such an extent
that they felt little disposition to diverge their attention and concern
to outside affairs. In consequence the committees formed failed to
meet with the requisite encouragement and support by both the
authorities and the pharmacists.

In 1889 the committee by a circular letter again postponed the
meeting to 1 89 1 on account of the International Exposition taking
place in Paris in 1889. In this circular a remarkable departure
occurred both in the matter of the objects and in the choice of the
participants of the congress. As entitled to admittance the follow-

43^

International Congresses.

/Am. Jour. Pham .
1 September, 1901.

ing were designated : Professors of universities, polytechnic schools
and colleges, professors of physical and natural sciences of any
school, pharmacists and chemists delegated by pharmaceutical asso-
ciations or by sanitary boards, members of such boards, assistants
of institutes, laboratories or museums devoted to physical and
natural sciences, medicine or pharmacy, chemists, directors and
assistants of municipal laboratories, proprietors and directors of all
laboratories for public service, proprietors and directors of chemical
industrial establishments and chemists employed in such.

As stated on pages 324 and 379 the American Pharmaceutical Asso-
ciation had twice extended an invitation to the congress to meet in
the United States, in 1874 and in 1881. At this juncture of delay
and uncertainty, and in consideration of the prospective World's
Fair in Chicago in 1893, the association passed at its meeting in
Old Point Comfort in Virginia, September 12, 1890, the resolution
" that it would be desirable that the International Pharmaceutical
Congress meet in Chicago in 1893, that a hearty invitation be ex-
tended to the pharmacists of all countries to be present at the meet-
ing of this association in 1893 J anc* that a committee be appointed
to report upon the matter at a future meeting."

At the next meeting of the association, in New Orleans in April,
1 89 1, the following local committee to co-operate with the World's
Fair Auxiliary in the work of preparing for an International Phar-
maceutical Congress was elected : Messrs. O. Oldberg, E. H. Sargent,
A. E. Ebert, D. R. Dyche, C. S. N. Hallberg, all in Chicago.

Very likely in consequence of the action of the American Phar-
maceutical Association in its meetings in 1890 and 1 891 the
following circular letter was issued on May 15, 1 89 [ :

The directors and proprietors of Italian pharmacies, especially those of the
northern provinces of the Kingdom, perturbed by the changes of the material
conditions of phaimacy, brought about by a new law of December 22, 188S, for
the protection of public hygiene and sanitation, and by legal contests with the
authorities over the new and stringent exactments, have not been able to co-
operate towards the success of the Pharmaceutical Congress in Milan, to the
extent they promised before the new law went into effect.

Notwithstanding these difficulties, the Committee on Organization would
have persevered in its efforts, had it not been for the very discouragingly
small number of adherences received, every hope of success being thus cut off.
Despite the announcements and invitations made in the principal Italian and
foreign periodicals, and the 25,000 circulars forwarded, the committee received
scarcely thirty assents.

Am. Jour. Pharnj. \
September, 1S01. J

International Congresses.

433

The committee, therefore, resolved to postpone the convocation of the
Congress to a more opportune time.

[Signed]

Cannizzarro, Vitali, Pessina, Casloldi, Venturini.

Hereupon and perhaps being unaware of the previous efforts
made for having the Congress meet in the United States of Amer-
ica, the general secretary of the Parisian pharmaceutical societies,
Mr. H. Bocquillon-Limousin, addressed, July I, 1891, a circular letter
to the presidents of the various pharmaceutical societies, asking for
opinions and advice as to the desirability of a speedy meeting of
the Congress for the consideration of those questions which affect
the immediate interests and prosperity of the pharmacists, and of
completing the work initiated by previous congresses. In the event
of approval, Madrid or Prague were suggested as convenient places
for holding the meeting.

To this communication the following response was returned from
the United States of America :

The undersigned beg to acknowledge the receipt of your circular letter of
July 1, 1891, and to state in repty thereto, that by a resolution passed at the
meeting in September, 1890, the American Pharmaceutical Association has
expressed itself in favor of holding the next International Pharmaceutical Con-
gress in 1893, in the city of Chicago, during the time of the Columbian
Exposition.

This resolution has been communicated to Mr. Van de Vyvere, Secretary-
General of the Sixth International Pharmaceutical Congress, and to Professor
Cannizzarro, President of the Committee on Organization for the seventh con-
gress.

At a meeting held May 1, 1891, the American Pharmaceutical Association
appointed a committee for perfecting the arrangements for the contemplated
pharmaceutical congress at Chicago, and invitations will be issued at an early
date. We beg you to use your influence and that of your Society in favor of
holding the next International Pharmaceutical Congress in Chicago, in the
year 1893.

[Signed] A. K. Finxay,

President.
John M. Maisch,

Secretary.

New Origans and Philadelphia, September 5, 1891.

To this communication the following reply was received by the
President of the American Pharmaceutical Association:

We have duly received your letter, in which you communicate to us the
resolution passed by the American Pharmaceutical Association, inviting the
pharmacists of all countries to a congress which is to meet in Chicago, in 1893.

434

International Congresses.

/ Am. Jour. Pharm.
I September, 1901.

Since we do not know whether the Italian conmittee will convene the
Ssventh International Congress, we have confirmed to the same your decision,
and have requested the committee, in case the pharmacists are not to be con-
vened at Milan, to cede to you the powers received from the International Con-
gress of 1885.

[Signed] D. A. Van Bastelaer,

President.
E. Van de Vyvere,

General Secretary.

Brussels, November 26, 1891.

Early in 1893, the presiding officers of the American Pharma-
ceutical Association, and the local committee on the Seventh Inter-
national Pharmaceutical Congress appointed by the Association,
issued separately the following circular letters of invitation in three
languages, to the pharmaceutical societies and other organized
bodies of pharmacists, as well as to the pharmacists of all countries.

Philadelphia, March 30, 1893.

The American Pharmaceutical Association had extended an invitation to
the Third International Pharmaceutical Congress, held at St. Petersburg, in
1874, to call the Fourth Congress in Philadelphia, in 1876, during the Centen-
nial Exposition ; but the selection of a city in the United States was deemed
unadvisable at that time.

After it had been decided that the World's Columbian Exposition should be
held in the city of Chicago in 1893, the American Pharmaceutical Association
again invited the pharmaceutical congress to meet in this country. The Ital-
ian Committee on Organization having, by circular of May 15, 1891, and for
reasons stated therein, renounced the convocation of the Seventh International
Pharmaceutical Congress at Milan ; the Executive Committee of the Sixth
Congress, at Brussels, by letter of November 26, 1891, confirmed the invitation
of the American Pharmaceutical Association, and in a communication of Feb-
ruary 16, 1892, the former Committee on Organization at Milan, expressed the
view that there was nothing, under the circumstances stated, to prevent the
organization of the Seventh International Pharmaceutical Congress in 1893, in
Chicago.

Now, in view of the above facts, the undersigned officers of the American
Pharmaceutical Association take pleasure in extending a heart}7 invitation to
the pharmaceutical societies of all countries to appoint delegates to the Inter-
national Pharmaceutical Congress, which is to assemble in the city of Chicago
during the year 1893, and in which teachers to pharmaceutical institutions
and pharmacists in general are likewise cordially invited to participate.

It is especially desired, that the contents of this circular letter be brought to
the notice of kindred societies, and that information be given to the under-
signed secretary, relating to suggestions of subjects of general importance,
suitable for discussion and action by the Congress, as well as to the intention
of pharmaceutical societies, of teachers of pharmacy and pharmacists in other
countries, of being present or represented at the Congress of 1893.

Am. Jour. Pbarm.)
September, 1901. j

International Congresses.

435

" Further steps for promoting the objects and deciding upon the date of the
congress will be taken at the meeting of the American Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion at the meeting in July of the present year. Meanwhile, the undersigned
desire to assure all who may come as delegates, as members or as visitors, to
the International Pharmaceutical Congress, at Chicago, in 1893, of the very
cordial reception on behalf of the Pharmacists of the United States of America.

[Signed] Ai,ex. K. Finlay,
President of the American Pharm. Association.
John M. Maisch,

Permanent Secretary.

Chicago, May 26, 1892.
The American Pharmaceutical Association has invited the Seventh Inter-
national Pharmaceutical Congress to meet in the city of Chicago during the
season of the World's Columbian Exposition, in 1893 ; the assent of the Execu-
tive Committee of the Sixth Congress at Brussels, and its Committee on Organi-
zation at Milan, has been formally given, and the American Pharmaceutical
Association has appointed a special committee to arrange the preliminaries.

In the performance of its function, this committee has the honor, therefore,
to invite all pharmaceutical societies and other organized bodies of all countries
to appoint delegates to the Seventh International Pharmaceutical Congress, to
be held in Chicago in 1893 ; and an invitation is also extended to all teachers
in pharmaceutical schools and members of pharmacopceial commissions to par-
ticipate in the congress.

The precedents established by previous International Pharmaceutical Con-
gresses will be followed in regard to all preliminaries as far as practicable.

On behalf of the American Pharmaceutical Association, all who will honor
the occasion by their presence are assured of a most hearty welcome.
By the committee :

[Signed] Oscar Oedberg,

Chairman.
ALBERT E. EBERT,

Secretary.

These letters of invitation were accompanied by a preliminary
announcement and programme, containing among others the follow-
ing items:

" The general scope and object of the International Pharmaceutical Congress
will be to stimulate pharmaceutical progress, to discuss the status of pharma-
cists and promote an intelligent appreciation of the work they do, and to con-
sider matters and measures affecting the further advancement of pharmacy and
a nearer approach to international agreement in education and practice.

" The subjects to be considered by the congress will be classified into the
following four sections : (1) Historical and ethical pharmacy ; (2) pharmaceu-
tical education and legislation ; (3) pharmacopceial matters ; (4) general ques-
tions pertaining to pharmacy and not assignable to any of the three preceding
sections.

" The congress will be constituted of delegates accredited by the governments
of the various countries, of the pharmaceutical societies, of examining boards,

43^

International Congresses.

( Am. Jour. Pharm
1 September. 1901.

of colleges of pharmacy, of pharmaceutical departments of universities, and of
national pharmacopceial commissions. It is proposed that each of these bodies
should be represented by three delegates.

" The proceedings of the congress shall be in the English language and
interpreters shall be employed for the benefit of German, French and Spanish
visitors for translating letters, papers, etc.

SEVENTH CONGRESS IN CHICAGO, 1 893.

The congress assembled in first session, August 21, 1893. Great
Britain, Canada, Nova Scotia, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Sweden,
Norway, Costa Rica, the Bermudas and Australasia were represented
by twenty delegates, the United States by 114. Not represented
were Germany, France, Russia, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Denmark.

The meeting was opened with addresses by the Chairman of the
Local Committee, Professor Oldberg, of Chicago ; Mr. CarteigJie,
President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, and Pro-
fessor Patch, President of the American Pharmaceutical Association.
The nomination of officers resulted in the election of Prof. Joseph P.
Remington, of Philadelphia, as President, and of fifteen vice-presi-
dents and four secretaries.

The main interest of pharmaceutical gatherings in Chicago in the
month of August, 1893, na<^ been exhausted by the meetings of the
American Pharmaceutical Association immediately preceding the
International Congress, which was little more than a supplementary
function to the meeting of the National Association. Its proceed-
ings fell far short of adequately dealing with the imposing array of
subjects drawn up under four sectional divisions.

The first question considered was: What progress has been made
toward the preparation of an international pharmacopoeia for potent
remedies ? — The few who participated in the discussion agreed in
the opinion that an international pharmacopoeia including all im-
portant pharmaceutical remedies and suitable to all countries would
be impracticable, whilst an international conspectus of potent reme-
dies, as a standard for the various national pharmacopoeias, would
be attainable, so as to approach in the course of new revisions of the
same to greater uniformity of the composition and strength of
galenical preparations containing potent drugs. As a result of the
brief discussions the following resolutions were adopted :

That a commission be empowered by this congress to compile and publish
an international pharmacopoeia ; that this commission consist of one represen-

Am. Jour. Pharm. 1
September, 1901. i

International Congresses.

437

tative from each of the countries represented in this congress, and from other
countries as may hereafter be determined.

That a committee of five, of whom the President of this congress shall be
chairman, be now chosen, and that said committee shall decide what other
countries besides those here represented shall be invited to join in the work.
The committee shall also determine how the members of the commission shall
be appointed.

That this congress accept, with thanks, the proffer of the American Phar-
maceutical Association of the sum of $1,000 to help in defraying the expenses
of compiling, publishing and distributing an international pharmacopoeia.

The drafts heretofore offered and accepted at the congresses at
St. Petersburg (page 374), and at Brussels (page 381), had failed of
realization.

As a nucleus of an international pharmacopoeia commission,
Messrs. Remington, of the United States of America, Carteighe% of
Great Britain, and von Waldheim, of Austria, were proposed and
elected as members.

The seeond question discussed referred to pharmaceutical educa-
tion and examination, and to a compulsory curriculum. Notwith-
standing the great divergences of opinion and usages prevailing in
the various countries, the following resolutions were finally agreed
upon :

" No person should be admitted as an apprentice in pharmacy unless he shall
have given evidence, by satisfactory passing a preliminary examination, that
he possesses a general education sufficient for that purpose, and as advanced as
the conditions of the practice of pharmacy in each country may permit, and
this term of apprenticeship in pharmacy should in no case be counted so far as
it may antedate such evidence of sufficient preliminary education.

"The compulsory period of apprenticeship should be no less than four years,
including the time devoted by the apprentice to regular attendance upon a
course of instruction in a college or school of pharmacy.

" Recognizing the inadequacy of examinations as a means of determining
the qualifications of persons seeking the important privilege of dispensing and
compounding medicines, this Congress approves of the establishment of a
compulsory curriculum of pharmaceutical education, and holds that no person
should be regarded as a qualified pharmacist who has not pursued to completion
a systematic course of instruction in the various branches of pharmaceutical
sciences, and delegates in this Congress are requested to lend their aid toward
securing the recognition of a principle of so much fundamental importance to
pharmacy."

The third and final question from the comprehensive array of the
programme was the relation of the pharmacist to public sanitation,
particularly in the matter of the adulteration of food. After brief

438

International Congresses.

/ Am. Jour. Pharm.
X September, 1901.

discussion the following resolution was offered by a committee of
five and adopted :

"That, in the judgment of this Congress, the educated pharmacist is a
natural and proper expert on measures for public health, not only in prevention
of food adulteration, but in the inspection of water supplies, the enforcement
of good sewerage, etc. The pharmacist, by virtue of his profession, is the
common chemist to the common people."

The President of the Congress called attention to one important
subject of the programme, namely, the influence exerted upon the
practice of pharmacy by the introduction of chemicals and other
medicinal substances controlled or limited by patents, copyrights,
trademarks or other legal restrictions.

Should such limitations as foster monopoly in the manufacture
and sale of such medicinally used products be removed in the in-
terest of the public good ? — The fact was, as shown by Mr. Wm. Bode-
mami, of Chicago, at the preceding meeting of the American Pharma-
ceutical Association, that the price of most synthetic products
imported into the United States is very largely out of proportion to
their cost of production and real value.

No action, however, was taken upon this subject, nor was the
perennial topic of specialties and nostrums entered upon, likely as
being a rather delicate object in a country where this much-abused
form of medication has attained to such a dominant position.1

At the second session of the Congress the Hanbury gold medal
for distinguished services in the domain of pharmacognosy was
presented by the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great
Britain, Mr. Michael Carteighe> of London, to Prof. John M. Maisch,
who, on account of serious illness, was unable to attend the meet-
ings in Chicago. Professor Remington responded in correspondly
graceful words to the generous presentation, and accepted the
medal with thanks and appreciation to deliver the same to the recip-
ient.

At the conclusion of the meetings an executive committee of the

1 At its stated meeting in the Profile House, July, 1892, the American Phar-
maceutical Association had unequivocally expressed its censure on nostrums by
the adoption of the following resolution : " That the American Pharmaceutical
Association desires to record its appreciation of the ethical position taken by
the American Medical Association at its last meeting in its efforts to discourage
the use of secret remedies and the traffic in nostrums."

Am. Jour. Pharm. 1
September. 1901. )

International Congresses.

439

Seventh International Pharmaceutical Congress was appointed, con-
sisting of the President and acting Secretary of the Congress, Pro-
fessors Remington, of Philadelphia, Oldberg, of Chicago, and Messrs.
Carteighe, of London, Ramlot, of Brussels, and Professor A. B. Pres-
cott, of Michigan. This committee was authorized in due time to
provide for the assembling of the next Congress in such a manner
as they might deem appropriate, and to represent the Seventh Con-
gress until its successor shall have been convened.

EIGHTH CONGRESS IN BRUSSELS, 1 897.

Upon the invitation of the Belgian General Pharmaceutical Asso-
ciation the Eighth International Pharmaceutical Congress met for a
second time in Brussels in August, 1897. The meetings were well
attended, mostly by Belgian pharmacists. The number of foreign
delegates and visitors was a comparatively small one. They came
from France, Holland, Great Britain, Italy, Sweden, Bulgaria,
Mexico, Russia and the United States (Professor Remington, Phila-
delphia, Mr. Meyer, New Orleans). No pharmaceutical societies
from Germany, Austria, Russia, Switzerland, Great Britain, etc.,
were represented by delegates.

Like the first Congress in Brussels, in 1885, this one was also
patronized by the Government and the Secretary ot Public Health
welcomed the Congress at its opening session in a brief address.
Professor Ranwez of the University of Louvain, acted as president
and Mr. Duyck, of Brussels, as general secretary.

The deliberations were conducted in the French language and in
these six sections:

(1) Legislation and professional interests; (2) Practical pharmacy,
chemistry, pharmacognosy ; (3) Examination of food ; (4) Hygiene ;
(5) Bacteriology; (6) Toxicology.

As main questions for deliberation were proposed in the pro-
gramme the following ones:

(1) Is it desirable in consideration of the present state of knowledge to
establish a definite standard of strength in active constituents of drugs and the
pharmaceutical preparations made therefrom ?

(2) Is it necessary to establish uniform methods for the quantitative estima-
tion of the active principles of drugs and preparations made therefrom ?

(3) In what way is the practice of pharmacy to be best regulated in the
interest and for the safety of the public ?

(4) How can the manufacture and trade in the newer remedies be best regu-

440

International Congresses.

f Am. Jour. Pharna.
I September, 1901.

lated ? Is is compatible with the public interest to protect such remedies by
patent rights and trademarks ?

(5) Can the manufacture and the dispensation of organo-therapeutic prepa-
rations be retained in the hands of the pharmacist ? In what way can the
quality of these products be controlled and guaranteed?

(6) What methods are the best for bacteriological investigations of potable
waters ? Are the present methods sufficiently reliable ?

The chairman, Professor Ranwez, opened the Congress, August 14,
1897, by a brief review of the history of the general Pharmaceutical
Society of Belgium, just celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, and
introduced the discussion on the first two questions, stating that
they had occupied the consideration of the preceding congresses as
well as that of Applied Chemistry held at Paris in 1896. The
various speakers agreed in the desirability of attaining to uniform
methods of the standardization of potent drugs and chemicals. It
was, however, admitted that by the adoption of a strict dosimetric
and pharmaco-dynamic system the pharmacist might be reduced to
a mere dispenser of ready-made factory products. Attention was
also called to the fact that in a number of important drugs it was
not the principal alkaloids or glycosides that constitute their thera-
peutical value, but the total amount of active principles contained
therein, as also that not a few vegetable drugs were subjected to
prevailing variations in climate, soil, moisture, their handling in
preparation for the market, and that there were cases of exemption
from general rules and principles in standardization.

Ultimately the recommendation was adopted " that the respective
authorities should require a uniform percentage of active important
principles in medicinal preparations."

Question 3 was briefly discussed, particularly in regard to the
practice of pharmacy by physicians and other unqualified persons
associated with proprietors of pharmacies.

The limitation of the number of pharmacies in proportion to the
population was considered by most speakers as unnecessary for the
interest of the public and the pharmacist, provided that there is
adequate provision for proper education and qualification. Under
these conditions limitation was held by most speakers to be a retro-
grade step in every respect.

A brief discussion on pharmaceutical education and examination
added nothing new to the deliberations on this subject by the pre-
vious congresses.

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
September, 1901. J

International Congresses .

441

The perennial question of an international pharmacopoeia seemed
to have lost much in interest. Professor Remington read a paper on
the relations between pharmacists and physicians in connection with
pharmacopoeial revisions ; he advocated the principle of differentiat-
ing the domain of the practitioner of pharmacy and that of the
practitioner of medicine as being an efficient means of promoting
the interests of pharmacy and the mutual relations of the pharma-
cist and physician in their professional bearings as well as in the
work of the revision of the pharmacopoeia.

Professor Remington also read a brief report as chairman of a
standing committee of three appointed at the Congress meeting in
Chicago in 1893, consisting of Messrs. Remington, of Philadelphia ;
Carteighe, of London, and Waldheim, of Vienna, stating that in con-
sequence of the illness of the latter, and the great difficulties in
corresponding with associations and authorities in distant countries,
little progress had been made.

The suggestion made prevailed r> that it might be a subservient
step towards attaining to a greater uniformity in the pharmacopoeial
formulae to have an international committee of prominent pharma-
cists as an advisory body for co-operation with the committees of
pharmacopoeial revision in the various countries; and that in any
such work a larger representation of practical pharmacists and
teachers of pharmaceutical branches was desirable.

Questions 4, 5 and 6 were only briefly discussed as somewhat
irrelevant and of less interest and consequence. In regard to organo.
therapeutic remedies it was considered as impracticable to establish
definite rules inasmuch as their active principles as yet are insuffi-
ciently known and as their therapeutic action can only be estimated
by physiological tests and much less by analytical examination.

In regard to the newer remedies the following resolutions offered
by Mr. Hayn, of Antwerp, were adopted :

(1) That the distinctive properties and reactions of each new remedy should
be published on the label and in all circulars relating to the remedy.

(2) That central laboratories be established for the analysis and control of
new remedies.

(3) A standing committee for the study and examination of all new medici-
nal products should be established, the members of which should be appointed
by the different governments from the members of the academies of medicine
or of pharmacopoeia committees.

(4) There should be an official control and verification of serums and the
. various glandular juices, etc.

442

International Congresses.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
I September, 1901.

(5) The nomenclature of new remedies should be revised and controlled in
order to avoid duplicity or confusion of names and errors.

(6) The pharmacopoeias of every country should be provided with an annual
supplement.

In regard to the question of nostrums the resolution was adopted
that national and local pharmaceutical associations should co-oper-
ate with the medical societies, with the object of suppressing
quackery and the use of nostrums.

The question on specialties was again discussed with the customary
animation and dissension. Finally the resolution prevailed, " that
in all countries laws should be inaugurated that all specialties should
publish on their labels and in circulars the active constituents they
contain and the average dose."

In conclusion the city of Paris was selected for holding the next
Congress in 1 900.

NINTH CONGRESS IN PARIS, 1 9OO.

The Ninth International Pharmaceutical Congress was the second
meeting of these conferences in Paris and at the time of an Inter-
nationa] Exposition, as also of a series of other international
congresses.

The programme sent out with circular letters of invitation by the
French local committee deviated still more from the preceding
ones and contained quite an array of miscellaneous questions grouped
into four sections. These were: (i) Pharmacy and pharmaceutical
chemistry; (2) Materia medica and pharmacognosy; (3) Biological
chemistry, bacteriology, hygiene and hydrology ; (4) Professional
interests. A number of communications and papers printed in ad-
vance was received and referred to the respective sections. Each
section held separate sessions.

The Congress convened in Paris, August 2, 1 900. The majority of
visitors were Frenchmen; no special differentiation was made between
delegates and visitors. Authorized delegates from foreign pharma-
ceutical associations were present from the following countries:
Belgium, ten; Germany, five; Austria, two; Switzerland, three;
Roumania, two ; Russia, one ; Mexico, one ; Sweden and Norway,
three; Denmark, two; Italy, three; Greece, one; Spain, two, and
Holland, two. Officially not represented were Great Britain and
the United States of America. No government was officially repre-
sented.

Am. Jour. Pharm. )
September. 1901. f

In ternational Co ngr esses .

443

The inaugural meeting took place in one of the halls of the Paris
School of Pharmacy on August 2d. President Petit being in the
chair, and Mr. Cronin acting as secretary.

The first subject brought to discussion was the chronic question
of an international pharmacopoeia. Prof. A. Tschirck, of Berne, stated
that ail efforts ventured upon by any one of the preceding con-
gresses had utterly failed in producing an international pharma-
copoeia or agreement for a uniform strength of potent remedial prepa-
rations, because only a limited number of countries was represented at
the meetings, the propositions made were only fragmentary and not
sufficiently studied beforehand, nor were the delegates in possession
of official instructions from their governments. Therefore, every
draft for an international pharmacopoeia had been shelved with the
resolutions passed and the meetings closed. He, therefore, sug-
gested that this congress should send to the Belgian Government,
which had the matter in hand, a communication containing the fol-
lowing proposition :

" That the governments of the countries most interested should
each appoint at least two official delegates, and that , the minor
States should also send representatives. That the programme
should be drawn up in detail, and studied by the delegates before
the meeting of the congress, and that the fundamental principles of
the programme should be communicated to the governing medical
corporations of the countries represented, with the request that they
should be considered and reported on. In addition to the official
delegates representing the States, the principal academies of medi-
cine and pharmaceutical societies should be asked to send dele-
gates." After quite a discussion on these propositions a committee
consisting of nine delegates was appointed to consider the matter
and to report at a later session of the congress. At the fourth
session this committee proposed the adoption of the following
recommendation :

"To have a comparative table prepared showing the differences in strength
of medicaments bearing the same name in different pharmacopoeias. To have
this table distributed to the pharmacopoeia commissions, to the academies of
medicine and the pharmaceutical colleges and associations of the various coun-
tries with the request to take this matter into due consideration at their next
pharmacopoeia revision, and to adopt as much as possible a uniform standard
of strength, and where differences still remain, to call attention to such in foot-
notes.

444

International Congresses.

(Am. Jour. Pharm.
I September, 1901.

" To ask the Belgian Government to arrange with other governments a con-
ference in Brussels, and to ask all the delegates appointed to such a conference
to have their proposals ready to lay before the meeting whenever this may be
called."

The next question discussed was the unification of assay processes
with reference to the standardization of potent drugs and their phar-
maceutical preparations, particularly such as contain alkaloids, gly-
cosides and other definite principles capable of isolation and determi-
nation. This subject had been referred to this congress by the pre-
ceding one in Brussels in 1897; Dut nothing had been reported by
the respective committee, leaving the matter just as, it stood before.
It was, however, properly suggested that this question would be
settled with the appearance of an international pharmacopoeia, and
perhaps in advance by national pharmacopoeias in course of their
revision and publication.

Quite a number of papers were read or reports made on a variety
of subject-matters relating to materia medica, to analytical and assay
methods, to the practice of pharmacy, etc., most of which has since
been published in pharmaceutical or chemical journals.

In section four, relating to professional matters, the present posi-
tion of pharmaceutical education, the professional standing of the
pharmacist in the various countries, and the limitation of pharma-
cies brought on a lengthy discussion introduced by a report on the
educational methods and the compulsory examination in the princi-
pal continental countries, resulting in the customary resolutions
dealing with the subjects altogether from a French and Belgian
point of view.

Discussions on the questions whether apprenticeship should be
placed before, during or after the academic instruction of the phar-
macist, as well as disputes on the inspection of pharmacies, on trade-
marks and some other topics remained without result, likewise an
exchange of opinion on standardization methods and on urinology.

In conclusion, the president, Mr. Petit, and the acting secretary,
Mr. Crinon, addressed the meeting, giving a brief review of its pro-
ceedings and expressed the hope of meeting again at the next inter-
national pharmaceutical congress in some convenient continental
city.

In a candid retrospect on the origination, the transactions and the
success, or utter want of success, of the series of these so-called

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
September, 1901. J

International Congresses.

445

international pharmaceutical congresses, commencing at Brunswick in
1864 and, as it is to be hoped, adjourned ad infinitum at Paris in
1900, it cannot but be conceded that they have failed to realize the
anticipations once attributed to them and to bring about some prac-
tical or tangible results for the consolidation and advantage of phar-
macy in the various countries in the course of the evolution through
which it has been passing in the ways and byways of medical, sani-
tary and industrial progress. These congresses have never been
international, except in name, either in representation or in numbers,
and have more and more departed from their primary and essential
aims and objects. Beyond the constantly recurring series of stereo-
typed questions and futile resolutions they have accomplished noth-
ing of productive and enduring consequence.

Whilst the First International Congress originated in 1864, as a
protest of French and German pharmacists against the growing
nostrum evil and the initial stages of the modern industry of phar-
maceutical specialties and proprietaries, it may not be amiss, in
conclusion, to point to the striking fact that the Ninth Congress, in
1900, after a lapse of thirty-five years, presented the aspect of still
indulging in unavailing deliberations on rather effete and doctrinal
problems, while at the same time and place it was confronted by a
kindred well attended congress of pharmaceutical manufacturers
from twenty-six European, American and North African countries,
convened for the purpose of securing for their calling and products
(pharmaceutical specialties and proprietaries] a greater legal recog-
nition as one of the substantial and important factors in the indus-
trial, commercial and economic concerns of the world.

In addition it may also be mentioned as a sign of the altered con-
ditions and the drift of modern medication that at the International
Exposition in Paris, in 1855, ten years before the First International
Pharmaceutical Congress took place, only five exhibitors of pharma-
ceutical specialties figured in the catalogue of the exhibition, whilst
they numbered about 400 at the Exhibition in 1900 at the time of
the Ninth Congress.

This remarkable transition in the domain and functions of phar-
macy and medication to less orthodox modern methods and uses
or abuses has been still more sweeping in the United States of
A merica in the course of the second half ot the nineteenth century.

The other primary motive for calling these congresses was the

446 Quininm et Strychnine Phosphatum. {^pfembe^wo?.1*

desire for the creation of an international pharmacopoeia, or at least
of a code tending to bring about a greater uniformity in the formu-
lae for the potent pharmacopoeial preparations. Every effort of the
successive congresses for the realization of this desideratum by the
adoption of resolutions and the appointment of committees has
failed. Meanwhile the national pharmacopoeias of the principal
countries have in the course of periodical revisions attained to
greater completion and a progressive and serviceable approximation
of their formulae for and the standardization of, potent remedies.
This gradual approach to a desirable consummation is evident in
the recently issued revised editions of the pharmacopoeias of Great
Britain with its addendum for the East Indian Empire, of Germany,
and last but not least in the forthcoming eighth edition of the
pharmacopoeia of the United States of America.

Berlin, April, 1901.

SYRUPUS FERRI QUIN1N/E ET STRYCHNINE
PHOSPHATUM.

By Charles H. LaWall.

This preparation, which is of English origin, has been variously
known as Easton's syrup, Aitken's syrup and syrup of triple phos-
phates and has always occasioned more or less discussion as to the
method of producing a permanent preparation.

The earliest formula — that proposed by Dr. Aitken himself —
possessed three distinct steps. First, the preparation of ferrous
phosphate by precipitation of solution of ferrous sulphate with
sodium phosphate. Second, the preparation of quinine alkaloid by
treating quinine sulphate with ammonia water. Third, the solu-
tion of these well washed precipitates together with strychnine in
diluted phosphoric acid ; sugar was afterwards added and dissolved
by agitation to form a syrup.

The original process was somewhat vague in its wording so that
different manipulators obtained varying results, but it was no doubt
intended that the preparation should contain the following ingredi-
ents in each fluid drachm — quinine sulphate I grain, strychnine
sulphate 3V grain and ferrous phosphate I grain.

As™ptembeM9ol?" } Quinime et Strychnines Phospliatum. 447

The trouble in making a permanent preparation probably started
with the original formula, and for many years change after change
was suggested, until, at the present time, the British Pharmacopoeia
and the United States Pharmacopoeia both contain processes which
are essentially different, and both of which have the same disad-
vantages regarding the lack of stability of the preparation.

The variation in the strength of the preparation since Dr.
Aitken's original formula is noteworthy; the present U.S.P. giving
a preparation which contains 1 grains of iron phosphate, I ^
grains quinine sulphate and grain of strychnine to the fluid
drachm; while the present B.P. gives I grain ferrous phosphate, |-
grain quinine sulphate and grain strychnine to the fluid drachm.

Many authors considered the difficulty of precipitation as being
due to the ferrous phosphate, so many changes were proposed in
this ingredient some changing this ingredient to ferric phosphate
which is the salt present in the U.S.P. preparation. Among the
compounds of iron which were used may be mentioned ferrous sul-
phate, solution of ferric sulphate, solution of iron and sub-sulphate and
at the present time the British Pharmacopoeia directs the use of iron
wire and phosphoric acid, thus forming ferrous phosphate ; while the
United States Pharmacopoeia takes the scale salt, known as iron phos-
phate, which is in reality a citro-phosphate of ferric iron and sodium.

The British process was suggested by R. Wright at the British
Pharmaceutical Conference in 1893 ; but the idea was first suggested
by Simonson in a paper read before the Ohio Pharmaceutical
Association in 1890; Wright, however, not giving credit to Simon-
son for the work previously done on the subject.

The most recent paper, which has dealt with the subject, is that
of F. W. Haussmann in the American Journal of Pharmacy for
May, 1900, in which he states that the main trouble is due to cara-
melization of the sugar, thereby causing the preparation to darken
in color. He made some experiments with a view to reducing the
quantity of acid in the preparation, but upon cutting down the
amount of phosphoric acid, the preparation lost its former stability.

As it stands at present, the preparation is fairly permanent as far
as precipitation goes, but is very prone to darken upon standing
and the difficulty has been experienced of having sulphuretted
odors evolved upon standing, in cases where the preparation has
been made with the use of granulated sugar, which contained

448

Editorial.

/Am. Jour. Pbarm.
1 September, 1901.

ultramarine. Another trouble has sometimes been experienced
which is caused by impurities in the glycerin, such as the presence
of compounds of fatty acids, which are liberated by the phosphoric
acid, thereby causing a disagreable odor.

A suggestion as to the avoiding of the coloration, due to cara-
melization, which has given satisfactory results in practice, is a very
simple one and consists in making up a preparation of the iron
phosphate, quinine, strychnine and glycerin. This is made up
according to the U.S. P. directions for making the syrup, but instead
of mixing with the syrup right away, it is held in readiness for
extemporaneous preparation of the syrup at any time necessary.

Divided up in this manner it will be seen that this glycerite makes
approximately 250 c.c. and by making it up to that quantity with
glycerin, which is the amount necessary for 1,000 c.c. of syrup, it can
be held in readiness and used at any time in the proportion of one
part of this so-called glycerite to three parts of pure simple syrup,
both by volume. If this suggestion is followed no trouble will be
experienced of having the product caramelized while in stock and it
can always be sent out in a practically colorless condition.

This so-called glycerole has been made and kept in the undiluted
condition for three months without alteration, so it is a practical
means of overcoming a hitherto unsurmountable difficulty.

An experiment was made using glucose syrup as a base instead
of ordinary syrup, but the presence of calcium sulphite as a preser-
vative in the glucose made it very objectionable from the liberation
of S02 by the action of the phosphoric acid.

The best results were obtained by the use of a syrup made from
rock candy instead of the ordinary granulated sugar.

EDITORIAL.

THE AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.

During the past year a number of writers have pointed out what
seemed to be to them the needs of the American Pharmaceutical
Association and, in some instances, have outlined methods to make it
more successful numerically. One writer considers that it " needs
new blood — good red blood " and another thinks it needs " the
transfusion into its veins of some younger twentieth century blood."

Am. Jour. Pharni. \
September, 1901. J

Editorial.

449

These thoughts can be interpreted in several ways. According to
the one the Association needs a vitalizing something and according
to the other we must wait for a number of years for this new twen-
tieth century blood to take on the responsibilities of manhood. A
combination of the ideas of these writers — neither complete without
the other — teaches that it is with associations as with men — they
only are truly successful who so conduct their lives that they live
to-day for to-morrow. The A.Ph.A. in other words needs the
transfusion of new blood to-day for the good it will do to-morrow.
This is in exact accord with the experience which teaches that
leaders of associations, as well as masters of any undertaking, must
have served a period of apprenticeship. New members must wait
and learn before they can help in judiciously solving the great
problems confronting large associations. If we think for a moment
of the men at the helm of the A.Ph.A. we see men who are still
active ; men who have regularly attended the meetings and parti-
cipated in its councils for years and men who have persistently
looked after the interests and honor of the Association. Do we
think for a moment that they have done this with an eye' single to
their own interests ? Rather do we not see that they have done all
this with a love for, and pride in, the Association. The A.Ph.A.
stands for something to-day because there are many men who have
served her in season and out of season. The new members, like
the new blood corpuscles, must pass through a long and useful course
and get in line (form a rouleau, so to speak) finally to be honored
with true comradeship. The A.Ph.A needs the blood, but it must
do more than get it — it must see that it passes to this stage of use-
fulness.

There never was a time when all the members were so active in
endeavoring to make the Association of value. The action of the
Section on Scientific Papers, in limiting the time for the reading and
discussion of papers, has made the meetings of this section of very
great interest. We believe, too, that there never was a time when
the work done in this section was more creditable to the Association
and more beneficial to pharmacy at large than to-day. It is well
known that at the Pharmacopceial Convention it was the active
members of the A.Ph.A. that contributed so much to its success.

The section on Education and Legislation has had a beneficent
influence on the teaching in colleges and on State Legislation. The

450

Editorial.

(Am. Jour. Pharoi.
\ September, 190L

most important results of this section we believe, however, are yet
to come. From this section has grown "The Conference of
Teaching Faculties," " The Conference of Members of Boards of
Pharmacy " and "The Conference of State Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion Secretaries." There are many indications that the active
members of the A. Ph. A. will contribute as much in elevating the
educational courses at the various colleges and in conducing to a wise
legislation in the various states in the future as they have in the
past.

The Commercial Section has been productive to the Association
in more ways than one. The creation of a section on Practical
Pharmacy and Dispensing is largely the outcome of the work done
by Mr. Hynson. This section has done much good already and is
likely, through the Sander prize of $50, to be productive of even
greater good to the retail pharmacists of this country. Then there
is the Committee on Exhibits who are arranging for an exhibition
at the St. Louis meeting of drugs, chemicals, pharmaceutical pre-
parations, dispensing apparatus, prescription helps, novelties in
labels and dispensing, etc. The work of this committee promises to
be very instructive.

When we consider all these profitable and interesting features it
is apparent that the A.Ph.A. was never more alive than to-day. The
following provisional program shows in what manner the St. Louis
meeting will be one of profit and pleasure :

Sunday, September 15 — Reception of incoming delegates.

Monday, September 16 — 10 a.m., Council meeting. 3 p.m., First general
session. 8 p.m., Reception in parlors of Southern Hotel.

Tuesday, September 17 — 9 a.m., Session of Board of Trustees United States
Pharmacopceial Convention. 10 a.m., Second general session. 3 p.m., Meet-
ing of Commercial Section. 8 p.m., Visit to St. Louis Exposition and Music
Hall.

Wednesday, September 18 — 9 a.m., Meeting of committee for revision of
United States Pharmacopoeia. 10 a.m., Third general session, devoted to dis-
cussion of exhibits. 3 to 10 p.m., Steamboat excursion on the Mississippi
River.

Thursday, September 19—9 a.m., Meeting of the Conference of teaching
faculties. 10 a.m., Meeting of section on practical pharmacy and dispensing.
3 p.m., Meeting of scientific section. 8 p.m., Meeting of scientific section.

Friday, September 20 — 9 a.m., Conference of members of boards of phar-
macy. 10 a.m., Meeting of scientific section. 3 p.m., Meeting of section on
education and legislation. 8 p.m., Meeting of section on education and legis-
lation.

\™ptJembeffia90L'} Reviews and Bibliographical Notices. 451

Saturday, September 21 — 9 A.M., Conference of state association secretaries.
10 a.m., Last general session. 2 p.m., Trolley ride; visit to Shaw's Garden
and Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association plant. 8 p.m., Evening entertain-
ment.

The A. Ph. A. is eliciting attention from every side. More than
one member has gotten up circulars calling attention to the bene-
fits of membership in the Association and many members not on
the Committee on Membership are asking pharmacists to become
members thereof. President Patton, of the Association, has well
said in a letter which has been sent out to the retail pharmacists of
the United States, " Its strong point is its earnest desire to aid you
to become a better pharmacist, to the end that success and all that
it implies may be yours."

REVIEWS AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

Die Mikroskopische Analyse der Drogenpulver. Von Lud-
wig Koch. Leipzig: Gebruder Borntraeger. 1901.

The third Lieferung of Volume I of this atlas is devoted to the
consideration of the microscopical characteristics of the following
barks: Quercus; and quillaja ; and woods : Guaiacum, quassia and
sassafras. This Lieferung, like the previous two already reviewed
in this Journal, gives an accurate description, besides numerous
plates of the tissues or fragments to be found in powders of differ-
ent degrees of fineness. These volumes will be found invaluable to
the pharmacist and no doubt will have an extended sale, as there
has been nothing like them heretofore published and the work has
been well executed in almost every particular. ■

Select Methods in Food Analysis. By Henry Leffmann and
William Beam. Philadelphia: P. Blakiston's Son & Co. 1901.

This work gives a concise summary of analytical methods in food
analysis. The subject is treated from a chemical and in many in-
stances also from a microscopical point of view. Numerous illus-
trations and four full-page plates have been incorporated. The
contents include: I, Analytic Methods: (1) Physical Data; (2)
Chemical Data. II, Applied Analysis: (1) General Methods; (2)
Special Methods for the following : Starch, flour, and meals, bread,
leavening materials, sugars, honey, candies and confections ; fats and
oils ; milk and milk products ; tea, coffee and cacao ; condiments and

452 Reviews and Bibliographical Notices, {Ag£tefS"

spices; alcoholic beverages; flesh foods. An appendix of use ul
tables, etc., concludes the book.

The work will prove of considerable value to analysts, particu-
larly as many of the bulletins of the United States Department of
Agriculture and of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists
are out of print and the others are with difficulty obtained. The
authors' wide experience in practical analytical work and ability in
culling the more valuable methods from the large amount of pub-
lished matter, have particularly fitted them for the task in hand
and the work has been done accordingly.

The Indian Doctor's Dispensatory being Father Smith's advice
respecting diseases and their cure. By Peter Smith, of the Miami
country. Cincinnati : Printed by Browne and Looker, for the
author. 1813. f

This is Bulletin No. 2 of the reproduction series of the Lloyd
Library of Botany, Pharmacy and Materia Medica, Cincinnati, O.
Peter Smith's dispensatory is probably the rarest book on pharmacy,
there being but one copy known to be in existence. An interest-
ing biography of Peter Smith, by Professor Lloyd, accompanies the
volume. These reproductions can be had at the nominal price of
$1.00 per issue by addressing the Lloyd Library, Cincinnati, O.
The third bulletin will probably consist of a facsimile of the Materia
Medica Americana, by Schoepf, the first botanical work connected
with American medicinal plants.

Biltmore Botanical Studies. A journal of botany embracing
papers by the director and associates of the Biltmore Herbarium.
Biltmore Herbarium, Biltmore, N. C. William Wesley & Son,
London.

Volume I, No. I, consists of " Revision of the Species of Marshal-
lia," by C. D. Beadle and F. E. Boynton ; " Notes on Certain Cone-
flowers," by C. L. Boynton and C. D. Beadle ; " New or Little
Known Species of Trillium," by T. G. Harbison ; " New Species of
Thorns from the Southeastern States," and "A Shrubby Oak of
the Southern Alleghanies," by C. D. Beadle. Eleven well executed
plates on Marshallia accompany the number. Each one of these
articles contains a number of new species which are well founded, and
will stand the test of careful scrutiny which cannot always be said
of new species that are being made. It is extremely fortunate that

AsneptiOmbe^,bi90]L'} Pharmaceutical Associations. 453

the excellent work being done by Mr. Beadle, director of the Bilt-
more Herbarium and his associates, is being published and thus
conserved and it is hoped that other numbers will quickly follow.

ILLINOIS PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.1

The twenty-second annual meeting was held at Rock Island,

June 1 1 — 1 3. The President, Walter H. Gale, in his address

approved of the action of the Association two years ago, when it decided to
discontinue committees on scientific papers and other similar subjects, leaving
to the A. Ph. A. scientific and educational matters. He felt that the I. Ph. A.
should busy itself with trade and legislative matters.

In regard to the Illinois pharmacy law, he stated that the new law is much
more satisfactory than the old one. President Gale also called attention to
the pure food law now in force, and said that it contained but little of interest
to pharmacists. The report of the operation of the law for twelve months
shows that the only line of goods covered by the law in which pharmacists are
interested (spices and flavoring extracts) generally come up to the required
standard, the only exceptions being in some goods found in grocery stores.
The president also called attention to the Illinois law covering the sale of
cocaine and other similar narcotics. He said that 300 ounces of cocaine per
month are sold on State Street within quite a limited district. He felt the
present law was sufficient to meet the case if it can only be enforced.

The committee in reporting on this address, recommended that
the Association issue a volume similar to the Badger Pharmacist of
Wisconsin, and include the history now being prepared by A. E.
Ebert, historian of the Chicago Veteran Pharmacists' Society.

Trade interests was the subject of separate papers by W. F.
Bodeman and John Stucklich.

Mr. Bodeman said that he had been in this country thirty-four
years and during all that time druggists cried hard times and com-
pared trade with the good old times of early days. He urged phar-
macists to write for journals and become better readers of pharma-
ceutical periodicals. He insisted upon hiring good apprentices
and giving them the proper training, stating that the metric system
should not be overlooked, and laid stress upon the importance of
arithmetic. His parting advice was, let the druggists of this land
get together and broaden their minds. Mr. Stucklich advocated
judicious advertising by show windows, neat circulars, booklets,
samples, newspapers, etc. Cash trade was approved ; personal con-

1 Meyer Bros. Druggist, p. 206 ; Nat. Drug., p. 232 ; West. Drug., p. 324.

454

Pharmaceutical A ssocia Hons.

("Am. Jour. Pharm.
1 September, 1901.

duct given attention ; the relation of doctor and druggist not for-
gotten. Such side lines as shoe polishes and stains, photographic
goods and spectacles were named as worthy of trial. T. V. Wooten,
Chairman of the Committee on Trade Interests, said that side lines
were spoken of as the tendency of the hour, but rather deplored.
He considered that dispensing physicians are increasing in number.
He said self interests always point towards co-operation with the
physician whenever possible. Substitution was condemned. Neat
packages and uniformly good preparations were noted. He said
that counter prescribing seldom pays in the long run. Farming
out small retail stores by jobbers was condemned. Retailing by
wholesalers received attention. Commercial pharmacy as a college
course was emphasized.

Professor Oldberg, Chairman of the Committee on United States
Pharmacopoeia, presented a very comprehensive report, which was
referred to the Committee of Revision of the United States Phar-
macopoeia.

The report of the Advisory Committee, Department of Phar-
macy, University of Illinois, was to the effect that during the year
the committee had conferred with the faculty of the school at
Champaign and the Board of Trustees, and, as a result, the course
has been extended, the faculty enlarged, and instruction in physio-
logy added to the curriculum.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year :

President, Walter H. Gale ; Vice-Presidents, Henry Swannell, J.
B. Mount and Franz Thomas; Secretary, R. N. Dodds, Springfield ;
Treasurer, George C. Bartells.

The time and place of the next meeting was left to the Execu-
tive Committee, to be appointed later by the president.

KENTUCKY PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
The twenty-lourth annual meeting was held at Crab Orchard
Springs, June 1 8-21. The President, C. Lewis Diehl, in a very
able address1 in which he touched not only State but national
affairs, said in part as follows :

"Next to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia the National Formulary should appeal
most forcibly to our sense of responsibility, but it is plain that in this respon-

lPh. Era.y p. 42.

As^ptJemrbeM9oira'} Pharmaceutical Associations. 455

sibility practitioners of medicine must share equally. Unfortunately the latter,
as a class, have not taken very kindly to either of these authorities in recent
years, though there are notable exceptions, and much missionary work seems
to be necessary to convince them of their importance. Towards this our
Association has also contributed its mite, through the excellent exhibit of N.
F. preparations at the Paris meeting, and, more particularly, through our
very efficient chairman of the Committee on Papers and Queries, Mr. Henry
W. Preisler, who by his individual efforts has induced the physicians in his
own locality to use many of the N. F. preparations, to the exclusion of cor-
responding proprietaries, and has thus set a practical example of what may be
done. Last year your attention was called to an "Epitome of the National
Formulary, compiled for the purpose of familiarizing physicians with the pre-
parations of the N. F. The distribution of this little work is possible only
through the aid of the State and local associations, and it is therefore a
matter of regret that more definite action was not taken at last year's meet-
ing with this end in view. I urgently advise that some action be taken at this
meeting that shall assure its wide distribution among physicians of our State,
feeling confident that this will be followed by a demand for many of the excel-
lent preparations of the N. F.

"When the so-called proprietary specialties were in their incipiency, the
Louisville College of Pharmacy adopted a series of formulas for Elixirs and
Wines, which, at the time, drove the proprietaries then in vogue from the
local market. This Association afterwards adopted the same formulas, with
some additions — testimony that Kentucky pharmacists were early alive to the
importance of fighting the innovation of the specialty makers. Indeed,
although the immediate incentive to the "National Formulary" is properly
credited to the efforts of the pharmacists of New York and Brooklyn, who
offered their " Formulary " to the American Pharmaceutical Association as a
nucleus for a national work, this preliminary work of the Louisville College
of Pharmacy doubtless had its influence on the character and contents of the
National Formulary. But what I particularly wish to emphasize is, that
although an apparent unit in upholding the integrity of the National For-
mulary individuals in our midst do not hesitate to use these formulas, under
coined names and possibly slight modifications, for the exploitation of their
private interests ; and while it is difficult here to draw a line on purely ethical
grounds, it is plain to me that co-operation on the lines of the "Golden
Rule " — but not as interpreted by David Harum — would have salutary effect in
maintaining the dignity of our profession."

The following papers were presented :

" Should Purity be the Prime Consideration ?" By J. W. Gayle and Vernon
Driskell.

"Buying Goods." By Addison Dimmitt and J. W. Gayle.
" How to Keep Good Clerks." By R. M. McFarland.
" Drug Store Rules." By Addison Dimmitt.

"The Pharmacist from a Professional and from a Mercantile Standpoint."
By Vernon Driskell.

"The Dispensing Counter." By Vernon Driskell.

" Postage Stamps. Telephones, etc." By Vernon Driskell.

456

Pharmaceutical Associations.

JAm. Jour. Pharm.
L September, 1901.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year :
President, John L. Clark; Vice-Presidents, H. K. McAdams,

G. E. Townsend and J. B. Ross ; Secretary, J. W. Gayle, Frankfort ;

Treasurer, Vernon Driskell ; Chairman of Executive Committee,

Chas. A. Edelen, Louisville.

Grayson Springs was selected as the next place of meeting, time

to be fixed by the Executive Committee.

LOUISIANA PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.1

The nineteenth annual meeting was held in New Orleans, May
ioth. The President, M. Bernstein, recommended among other
things that Congress be requested to assist in the passage of the
bill defining the status of the navy pharmacist. Also that an act
be drafted regulating the hours of labor, sale of poisons, the vending
of drugs by country stores within a certain radius of a drug store
and the examination of physicians who have opened drug stores
since the passage of the law ; also requiring all pharmacists to
register annually, on payment of a nominal fee.

One of the features of the session was an address by Prof. H. V.
Arny, of Cleveland, O., on some of the chemical possibilities of
Louisiana. He said that he would purposely omit sugar from his
address, inasmuch as the subject could not be included within a
brief paper. The speaker dwelt interestingly on the products that
could be made from turpentine, namely, camphor, lavender per-
fume, etc. Another possibility was the development of the industry
of making orange flower water from the petals of the orange blos-
som.

The following officers were elected: President, W. T. Taylor;
Vice-Presidents, J. L. Viallon and Alfred Levy ; Corresponding
Secretary, Miss M. E. Holden ; Recording Secretary, W. P. Du-
plantis ; Treasurer, George S. Brown ; Executive Committee, Wil-
liam M. Levy, P. Asher, James E. Bays, Adam Wirth and P. L.
Viallon.

The following members of the Association were selected for the
Board of Pharmacy: P. L. Viallon, President ; W. T. Taylor, Presi-
dent pro tern; F. C. Godbold, Secretary ; Examining Committee,
George S. Brown, Chairman ; William Levy, Max Samson ; Fin-

1 Pharm. Era, p. 547.

'septemberJiooL " } Pharmaceutical Associations. 457

ance Committee, M. Bernstein, Paul Fleming and E. N. Roth.
Examinations will be held in February, May, August and November.

MARYLAND PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.1

The nineteenth annual meeting was held July 1 6th, at Ocean City.
The President, Wm. E. Turner, in his address recommended that
the Legislative Committee organize auxiliary committees in every
county of the State to go to work at once to bring the passage of a
pharmacy law to a successful issue; that the next semi-annual meeting
of the Association beheld in Annapolis during the organization of
the Senate and House of Delegates, and that "we strive diligently to
more closely unite the profession of medicine and pharmacy, and
that we co-operate with other bodies of a like character in the erec-
tion of a suitable memorial to Prof. Wm. Procter, Jr."

The Association decided to continue the agitation for a national
pure food and drug law, as also to endeavor to have such a law en-
acted for Maryland.

The Treasurer reported a gratifying balance in the Treasury.
The accessions during the year were larger than any preceding year,
they amounting to 33 per cent, of the membership. The report on
the Progress of Pharmacy was a most comprehensive and instructive
paper. Under Trade Interests an animated discussion arose as to
the affiliation with the N. A.R.D., ending in a resolution to that effect,
as well as to the adoption of the Worcester plan, both meet-
ing with the approval of a large majority.

The chairman of the Committee on Adulterations, H. P. Hynson,
gave an account of the examinations made by himself of several
popular preparations.

The subject of wood alcohol was touched upon. This dangerous substitute
for grain alcohol had been found in the product of but one concern, although
several others had been examined. One sample of essence of ginger was found
to contain only 33 per cent, of ethyl alcohol, when the proportion should have
been 95 per cent. Tincture of iron was examined, but none of the seven spe-
cimens submitted to tests contained wood alcohol. Several, however, con-
tained not more than 55 per cent, of grain alcohol, when 75 per cent, was
required by the United States Pharmacopoeia. The quantity in one sample
was not more than 5 per cent. Of six lots of tincture of iodine examined, two
were made with wood alcohol, and all but three proved to be greatly deficient
in iodine. Much adulteration was shown in the common seidlitz powders. The

1 Ph. Era, p. 112.

45§ Pharmaceutical Associations. {^epSbef.mi. '

number of samples with an over-weight in the quantity of the chemicals
required was as large as that with insufficient quantities.

An animated discussion was occasioned by C. H. Ware's paper in
reply to the query, "Can the Retail Pharmacist Make his own Secret
Preparations with Financial Success to Himself?" It was finally
decided that he could.

The election resulted in the choice of the following officers :
President, Louis Schulze ; First Vice-President, J. Webb Foster ;
Second Vice-President, Eli T. Y. Reynolds; Third Vice-President,
Otto G. Schumann; Secretary, Owen C. Smith ; Treasurer, John G.
Beck, Baltimore; Executive Committee, W. U. .Powell, W. E.
Brown, H. Lionel Meredith.

The next annual meeting will be held at the Blue Mountain
House about June 20, 1902, in joint meeting with the Pennsylvania
Pharmaceutical Association, which meets at Buena Vista, Pa.

MASSACHUSETTS PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.1

The twentieth annual meeting was held at Fall River, June 11-
12. F. A. Hubbard, the President, delivered an address devoted
principally to the consideration of problems that confronted the
pharmacists of that state. The Secretary, James F. Guerin, reported
an increase in membership. The report of the Treasurer, T. B.
Nichols, showed a balance in the treasury. The Committee on
President's Address recommended among other things, " the en-
dorsement of the work of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy;
the establishment of a scholarship in the College of Pharmacy, the
expense to be $130 per year, the board of directors of this Associa-
tion to direct all the details of the scholarship."

The following papers were presented :

" Iuter-Relation of Medicine and Pharmacy." By the late Professor Green-
leaf. This was presented by C. F. Nixon, being the last work from the pen of
Dr. Greenleaf and was somewhat incomplete, he evidently having expected to
revise it.

" Pharmaceutical Legislation. " By W. J. Bullock.

" Unregistered Clerks and Registered Druggists." Mr. Hielberg suggested
a change in the pharmacy law to the effect that the Board of Pharmacy should
have the power to grant a certificate for a limited time to registered druggist
for his unregistered clerk.

1 New England Druggist, p. 438 ; The Spatula, June ; Pharm. Era, p. 690.

Am. Jour. Pharm. 1
September. 1901. )

PJiarmaceiitical A ssociations.

459

" Liquor Thymoli Compositus, or Antiseptic Solution." By W. L. Scoville.
It differs from other similar formulas in using oil of Eucalyptus odorata instead
of eucalyptus globulus, the former being much sweeter and more pleasant in
flavor, and in the use of natural benzoic acid sublimed from benzoin in the
place of artificial acid made from toluol. The natural acid is not only softer
in odor and flavor, but it is also more soluble in water. Costs more than the
artificial, but it produces a very different effect.

Thymol, i gramme or gi; oil of Eucalyptus odorata, 2 c.c. or 3 ii ; oil of
gaultheria, C75 c.c. or M xl ; oil of peppermint, o-20 c.c. or M x ; natural ben-
zoic acid, 8 grammes or § i ; fluid extract of baptisia, S c.c. or 5 i ; boric acid,
24 grammes or 5m ; alcohol, 375 c.c. or O iii ; water, 675 c.c. or O v ; talcum,
20 grammes or ^ iiss.

Dissolve the thymol, oils, benzoic acid and fluid extract in the. alcohol and
add the talcum. Dissolve the boric acid in the water, previously heated, and
add to the alcoholic liquid and shake occasionally during seven days or 1onger
(the longer the better i then filter. The real secret (?) of the above formula
lies in the variety of eucalyptus employed and the character of the benzoic acid.

*' Glycerin Tonic Compound." By W. L. Scoville. Formula :

Gentian root, ground, 20 grammes; taraxacum root, ground, 30 grammes;
sugar, 150 grammes ; spirit of orange (U.S. P. ) 10 c.c; tinct. cardamom comp.,
60 c.c; solution of saccharin (N.F.) 20 c.c; phosphoric acid (85 per cent.) 5
c.c; acetic ether, 2*5 c.c; glycerin, 400 c.c; sherry wine, q. s. to make
1,000 c.c.

Moisten the drugs with the spirit of orange and about 10 c.c of wine and
pack in a small percolator. Pour on wine to cover the drugs and when the
liquid begins to drop, close the lower orifice of the percolator and allow to
macerate twenty-four hours. Then allow to drop slowly, regulating the flow
to about one drop in five or six seconds, and pass enough sherry wine through
the drugs to obtain 400 c.c. of percolate. In this dissolve the sugar and filter,
if necessary. Then add the other ingredients in order, and finally enough
sherry wine to make a total volume of 1,000 c.c.

The election of officers resulted as follows : President, L. G.
Heinritz ; First Vice-President, William J. Bullock ; Second Vice-
President, C. P. Flynn ; Third Vice-President, James C. Brady;
Secretary, James F. Guerin, of Worcester ; Treasurer, Thomas B.
Nichols. Henry Canning, Boston; F. E. Mole, of i\dams and J.
F. Bartlett, of Great Barrington, were re-elected trustees of the per-
manent fund. It was voted that the President, the three Vice-Pres-
idents and the Secretary constitute the Executive Committee.

MISSOURI PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.

The twenty-third annual meeting was held at Pertle Springs,
WTarrensburg, June 18-21, 1901. The address of the President,
Paul L. Hess, embodied the events of the year in pharmaceutical

460

PJi a r maceu t ica I Associations.

(Am. Jour. Pharm.
I September, 1901.

circles and was full of suggestions for the advancement of phar-
macy. The Secretary, H. M. Whelpley, showed that 400 copies of
the proceedings, containing eighty-six pages were printed at an
expense of $128.93. The average cost of each copy, including
postage, amounts to about 35 cents. The Treasurer, Wm. Mittel-
bach, reported a balance in the treasury. The following pipers
were read :

" Carbon Molecules." By. J. F. Llewellyn.

"Pharmaceutical Notes." F. Hemm contributes the following: "Sodium
phosphate (granular or crystallized) should be bottled in air-tight containers;
crystallized sulphate of iron should be put into bottles; and a new air-tight
stopper, but one easier of removal is desired for potassium bromide bottle.
Sealing wax has been used on chloroform and bromoform containers lately
and should be condemned. On dispensing a proprietary preparation on the
doctor's prescription the writer suggests that the pharmacist only dispense
from an original bottle or package — or when this is not possible, let the
prescription pass on. The author also notes that according to Merck's Index
sparteine sulphate is alwaj-s acid in reaction whereas the U. S. P. says that it
reacts neutral with litmus paper."

"The German, British and United States Pharmacopoeia." G. Hinrichs
critically compares these three authorities and hopes that "the Committee of
Revision will produce a Pharmacopoeia that will permit them to keep alive
when that Pharmacopoeia shall be enforced."

"Medicines Prescribed by roS St. Louis Physicians." H. M. Whelpley
gives some interesting statistics.

" Compound Extract of Salyx." A. C. Chenoweth and W. K. Ilhardt found
it to be a name for a preparation containing salicylic acid, put upon the
market for preserving fruits, vegetables and liquids by California cold process.

" Some Narcotic Plants." J. F. Lewellyn gives an interesting account of
narcotics which are used and some of the myths concerning them.

" Preserved Hydrogen Peroxide." C. G. Hinrichs suggests that pharma-
cists test the brands marked 3 p. c. U.S. P. for the presence of alcohol and for
the degree of acidity.

" Powdered Cocoa." Francis Hemm reported on the examination of four
commercial brands.

"Mistura Chlorali et Potassii Bromidi Composita." H. M. Pettit, Chair-
man of the Committee on National Formulary asks, in his report, "would it not
be well to omit the extract of Cannabis Indica or replace it by some other
ingredient to answer the same purpose ? "

The following officers were elected for 1901-1902 :
President, Otto F. Claus ; First Vice-President, R. L. Hope;
Second Vice-President, W. B. Kerns ; Third Vice-President, H. C.
Wesner; Treasurer, Wm. C. Mittelbach ; Secretary, H. M. Whelp-
ley. The place and date of next meeting is Pertle Springs, June
10-13, 1902.

Am. Jour. Pharm. 1
September, 1901. J

Ph a r m aceutical Associations.

461

NEBRASKA PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.1

The twentieth annual meeting was held May 7 -9th, at Lincoln. The
President, A. W. Buchheit, in his address, among other things, said
that while the examinations in pharmacy, materia medica, chemistry
and toxicology are certainly the necessary and fundamental require,
ments for a candidate's fitness for a certificate, a thorough general
education, at least that afforded by a complete course in the high
schools, should be required.

An interesting feature of the meeting was a lecture by Prof. Oscar
Oldberg, Northwestern University.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : Presi-
dent, P. Strausbaugh ; Vice-Presidents H. E. Brown, E. J. Kelso, J,
F. McKinley, Victor Yoeman, C. E. Hopping ; Secretary, W. M.
Tonner, Randolph ; Treasurer, Carl Speilman. Recommended for
Board of Examiners: D. J. Fink, Holdredge ; W. W. Kendall,
Superior; N. A. Kuhn, Omaha.

NEW JERSEY PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.

The thirty-first annual meeting was held in Trenton, N. J., May
22 and 23, 1 901. The President, Stephen D. Wooley, delivered an
address devoted to a recapitulation of the chief events in the history
of the Association during the past year. The report of the Secre-
tary, Frank C. Stutzlen, showed a membership of 383, an increase
of 19 over last year. The report of the Treasurer, James C. Field,
showed the finances of the Association to be in good condition.
The Secretary of the Board of Pharmacy, Henry A. Jorden, showed
that 74 passed the examinations for Registered Pharmacists, and
18 for Registered Assistants; and that the total number on record
in good standing of Registered and Assistant Pharmacists was 1776.
The report of the Treasurer of the Board of Pharmacy, William T.
Brown, showed the finances to be in good condition.

The following is a list of the papers which were presented :

' The Growth and Collection of Narcotic Drugs." By F. B. Kilmer. The
author considered particularly those drugs indigenous to Jamaica, the continent
of Europe, England and United States.

"Cotton Seed Oil." By P. E. Hommell. The author considers the use of
cotton seed oil in the preparation of various medicaments and claims that olive
oil should replace it for medical purposes.

Omaha Druggist \ p, 20.

462

PJiarmaceutical A ssociations.

j Am. Jonr. Pharm.
(. September, 1901.

"Alcohol Deodoratum." By P. B. Hommell. The author concludes that
deodorized alcohol should replace alcohol in the preparation of elixirs, essences
and tinctures.

" Collinsonia Canadensis." By H. J. Dohmann. The author has isolated an
alkaloid to which he attributes the diuretic action of the drug, the resin being
irritant.

" Condurango." P. E. Hommell. The author says that preparations from
good, well-preserved specimens would form valuable alteratives, if one or more
of the recognized mineral alteratives were also added.

" Liquor Ammouii Anisatus." G. W. Parisen gives the formulae of the German
and Danish Pharmacopoeias. G. E. Thurman proposes the formula : Oleum
anisi, 3 parts ; aqua ammoniae, 15 parts ; alcohol, q. s. to make 100 parts.

"Liniments, Ointments and Plasters." G. W. Parisen has observed in an
examination of 4,000 prescriptions that there were thirty-eig"ht liniments, fifty-
six ointments, but no plasters prescribed.

"The Education of Apprentices" was answered by C. J. Schudde, who said
that the pharmacist should take as an apprentice a boy with sufficient know-
ledge of reading, writing and arithmetic, and make a business man as well as a
pharmacist of him.

" Hospital Dispensaries." C. H. Landell asserts that " four out of every ten
dispensary patients can afford to pay for their medicines, and to give such per-
sons free medicine is no charity in the least."

The following officers were elected for 1901-1902 : President ,
James Foulke ; First Vice-President, Hermann J. Lohmann ; Second
Vice-President, George S. Campbell; Secretary, Frank C. Stutzlein ;
Treasurer, James C. Field. The next meeting will be held at
Atlantic City.

NEW YORK PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.1

The twenty-third annual meeting was held in Buffalo, June 4-8,
1901. The President, Felix Hirseman, in his address, dwelt upon
the accomplishments of the N.A.R.D. and upon the passage of the
new pharmacy law. The report of the Secretary, J. B. Todd, showed
the Association to be in healthy condition. The Treasurer, T. W.
Dalton, reported a creditable balance. The following papers were
presented :

"The Lloyd Reaction for Morphine." By Joseph Mayer. (See this Jour-
nal, p. 353).

" Synthetic Remedies as Poisons." By Edward Klein.

" The Habitat of Drugs." By Walter Bryan (See Pharm. Era, p. 670).

" Shop Notes and Dispensing Hints." By W. A. Dawson.

1 Amer. Drug, and Pharm. Record, p. 327 ; Pharm. Era, p. 651.

AseptJembef,hi9or-} Pharmaceutical Associations. 463

"A Few Facts About Vaccine and Vaccination." By Frederic P. Tuthill.
(See Bull. Pharm., p. 334).

" The Advertising Druggist." By Judson B. Todd.

" Should the Pharmacy Law be Amended ?" By Edward S. Dawson. (See
Amer. Drug., p. 15).

The Committee on New Remedies presented a valuable report
[Amer. Drug.t 355) through the Chairman, A. L. Gold water.

The following are the officers for 1901-1902 : President, Thomas
Stoddart ; First Vice-President, J. F. Van Nort ; Second Vice-Pres-
ident, Geo. H. Hitchcock; Third Vice-President, A. S. Van Winkle •
Secretary, Judson B. Todd ; Treasurer, Thomas W. Dalton.

The preliminary report of the President, Robert K. Smither, of
the New York State Pharmacy Board, is interesting, particularly
that relating to the adulteration and substitution of drugs.

The Board of Pharmacy being required by the new law to see that all phar-
maceutical preparations sold in pharmacies and drug stores of New York con-
form to the standard and tests prescribed in the U.S. P.

"The Board has started out with the assumption that the average druggist
or pharmacist is desirous of having his drugs and galenical preparations fully
up to the standard, and that whenever it is demonstrated that he is handling
an inferior quality he will gladly remedy the defect ; and further, that among
those who have knowingly handled an inferior article are not a few who,
weakly surrendering to a spirit of commercialism, have felt constrained to
depreciate the quality of their goods in order to meet competition, and who
would be more than willing to elevate their standard to that required by the
Pharmacopoeia if satisfied that their competitors would be compelled to do
likewise.

"We have begun the systematic collection and assaying of samples in a
friendly spirit, our inspectors on their first tour making no secret of the fact
that the samples purchased are for examination, that it is the purpose of the
Board to warn the dealer in cases where the samples prove to be below the
standard, but not to prosecute upon the evidence thus obtained.

"If, however, a subsequent inspection should reveal an intentional and per-
sistent disregard of the standard the Board will consider it its duty to prosecute
the offender.

" An illustration of the necessity for official supervision over the standard of
pharmacopceial preparations sold, is furnished by a review of a report received
within the past week from a professional chemist, giving the result of his
assay of a batch of samples submitted to him.

"Forty-three samples of the tincture of iodine were assayed, the U.S. P.
standard for which requires approximately 7 per cent, of free iodine. They
showed a strength varying from 1*42 to 7*28 ; forty-one were below the U.S. P.
standard. The lowest in the scale, a little more than one fifth pharmacopceial
strength, was made of wood alcohol as a solvent. Whatever may be said of
some of the other samples, the most charitable comment, upon the vendor of

464 Pharmaceutical Associations. { \nepti mbe?^™'

this one is that gross fraud was intended. One sample purchased as tincture
of iodine turned out to be fluid extract of wild cherry bark, an inexcusable
blunder on the part of the seller.

" Assays of thirty samples of tincture of opium were contained in the same
report. The pharmacopceial standard for this requires 1 '3 to 1*5 per cent, of
morphine. The samples submitted showed a variation in strength ranging
from 0 35 to i'6, the lowest being one-quarter the U.S. P. strength and the
highest slightly above it. Of the thirty samples, only six were up to the mini-
mum standard of the Pharmacopoeia, and but one sample slightly exceeded
the maximum. The average strength of the thirty samples was 1*05, but this
average was largely produced by eight specimens, which were below one-half
U.S. P. strength.

''That so important a preparation as tincture of opium should be sold of
such inferior quality is a scandal to our profession and a gross injustice and
menace to the public."

NORTH CAROLINA PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.1
The twenty-second annual meeting was held at Winston-Salem,
on June 1 8th. The President, R. H. Jordan, in his address made a
special plea for efforts to increase the membership. At the organi-
zation of the Association in 1880 its membership roll was 112, to.
day 147, showing that the increase is only 32 per cent, lor the
twenty-one years, or about one and two-third members annually.
While it is understood that death and retirement from business were
factors that reduced the percentage largely, the increase is inexcu-
sably small as compared with the enrollment of registered pharma-
cists, which at the same time was 282, and to-day 530, nearly
double. He also called attention to the gradual decline of interest
in scientific and practical papers and discussion, a condition which
is deplored by the leaders in other pharmaceutical associations, both
State and local, besides the North Carolina body.

The following officers were elected : President, E. W. O'Hanlon :
Vice Presidents, Henry T. Hicks, W. A. Leslie, G. K.Grantham,
Secretary, A. J. Cook, Fayetteville ; Executive Committee, B. B.
Owens, G. R. Wooten, J. M. Scott, W. H. Macnair ; Local Secre-
tary, C. G. Branhan, New Bern.

OHIO PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.
The twenty-third annual meeting was held at Dayton, O., July

16th.

1Amer. Drug., p. 22

^ptembeS™' } Pharmaceutical Associations. 465

The President reviewed the events of the year and called atten-
tion to some of the problems confronting the pharmacists of that
State.

The reports of the various committees were read and accepted.
The chairman of the Committee on Course of Study in Colleges of
Pharmacy made the following recommendations, which were adopted
by the Association :

Item £. That this Association requests the schools of pharmacy
located in Ohio to require an entrance admission, leading to a degree,
of at least one year's instruction in a standard high school, which
should include algebra and natural science.

Item 2. That this Association reaffirms its position of 1896, that
schools of pharmacy should have a fixed time for the admission of
students who are candidates for a degree in pharmacy, which should
be at or near the opening of the school year, and a definite time
when the course leading to the conferring a degree shall close.

Item 3. That the Ohio Board of Pharmacy be, and is hereby
requested to adopt a rule that alter September 1, 1902, it will refuse
to recognize as in good standing any school of pharmacy within or
without the State of Ohio which fails to require and enforce an
entrance qualification equivalent to that proposed in Item i,or that
fails to comply with the conditions relating to the admission of
students and the conferring of degrees set forth in Item 2.

The initiation fee for new members was abolished.

The Association commended the Board of Pharmacy on the fact
that the number of assistant registered pharmacists had been
increased in the last two years.

An auxiliary section was formed and put on an active basis, the
object of which will be to protect those members who may be
unjustly persecuted or prosecuted under the existing or future laws
of this State, to take care of any cases against them, both in the
lower and appellate courts, without individual expense to the drug-
gist beyond his per capita fee for membership, membership to be
restricted to members of the Ohio State Pharmaceutical Association.
A central committee of six was appointed by the President, to have
full charge and discretion in doing the work.

The privileges of the floor were extended to Mr. C. H. Jones,
organizer of the Ohio Valley Druggists' Association, and to Mr.
E. R. Cooper, organizer of the Northern Ohio Druggists' Association.

466

Pharmaceutical Associations.

(Am. Jour. Pharm.
I September, 1901.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : Presi-
dent, J. C. Firmin ; First Vice-President, Chas. Freericks, Jr.; Second
Vice-President, G. C. Himmelman ; Permanent Secretary, L. C.
Hopp, Cleveland ; Treasurer, J. H. Von Stein ; Executive Com-
mittee, F. W. Herbst, J. P. Harley and John Kutchbach. The mat-
ter of time and place for next year's meeting was left to a central
committee.

PENNSYLVANIA PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.1

The twenty-fourth annual meeting of the Pennsylvania pharma-
ceutical Association was held at Harvey's Lake, near Wilkesbarre,
Pa., June 18-21. After the usual welcome, the President, S. K.
Hammond, made the annual address.

The reports of the Secretary and Treasurer were then received,
the latter reporting a creditable balance. The Executive Committee
presented their report through Mr. Gorgas, eighteen new members
being received.

A communication was received from the Secretary of the N. A.R.D.,
stating that the Association was entitled to one delegate for each 100
members. A communication was presented relative to the pro-
posed Procter Memorial, and was referred to the Committee on
President's Address.

W. L. Cliffe, Chairman of the Committee on Legislation, reported
the failure to secure the desired legislation, as having been caused
to some extent at least by the antagonism felt by many of the legis-
lators to the State Pharmaceutical Examining Board. He reported
the passage of an act repealing the re-registration clause of the
pharmacy law, and increasing the fees for registration after exami-
nation.

A number ol reports were received from various local associa-
tions, indicating increased prosperity from organization. Mr. Pritch-
ard, of the Western Pennsylvania Retail Association, stated that the
conditions in his Association at the present time were more favor-
able than he had ever known them.

1 Credit is due to Dr. J. A. Miller, F. W. E. Stedem and Prof. C. B. Lowe for
courtesies in the preparation of this report.

Am. Jour. Pharm. i
September, 1901. j

P heir mac eu tic a I A ssociations.

467

The Committee on Trade Interests reported that chairmen had
been appointed for each county in the State, and that an effort had
been made to secure the organization of county societies to be affili-
ated with the Pennsylvania Association. At the present time there
are some thirty local societies in the State. Reports were received
from the Committee on Adulterations, by Mr. LaWall, the Com-
mittee on Membership, by Mr. Bransom, the Committee on Chem-
istry, by Prof. Moerk, and the Committee on Botany, by Prof.
Kraemer.

The Committee on Free Dispensaries reported through Prof. Rem-
ington that a meeting of the joint committee of this Association
and the State Medical Association had been held. They recom-
mended that a law be passed requiring the keeping in each dispen-
sary of a register in which all recipients of medicine shall be
required to sign their names and residences, with penalties attached
for imposing upon the hospital authorities. The recommendation
was agreed to, and the Secretary ordered to send a copy of this
action to the Secretary of the State Medical Society, and to our
delegates to that society.

The reports of the delegates to the different State and National
Associations were then presented.

An order was directed to be drawn upon the Treasurer for the
amount of $50 in favor of the Committee on Legislation, and the
thanks of the Association were ordered to be presented to the
Philadelphia Retail Druggists' Association for their hearty financial
support to secure the needed legislation. Mr. Cliffe reported that
the committee to secure a portrait of the late Chas. A. Heinitsh had!
been quite successful, and that an excellent portrait had been hung
in the Museum of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : Presi-
dent, W. L. Cliffe, Philadelphia ; First Vice-President, W. F. Horn,
Carlisle ; Second Vice-President, Isaac M. Weills, Washington ;
Secretary, Dr. J. A. Miller, Harrisburg ; Treasurer, J. L. Lemberger,
Lebanon. Executive Committee, Wm. O. Frailey, Lancaster ; J,
H. Stein, Reading, and E. E. Heck, Pittsburg. Local Secretary,.
H. J. Mentzer, Waynesboro.

The next meeting will be held at Buena Vista Springs Hotel.

The following is a list of the papers read :

" The Aniseed Oils and Anethol." By George R. Pancoast, M.D.,
and Lyman F. Kebler. (See this Journal, p. 356.)

468

Pharmacetitical A ssociations.

(Am. Jour. Pharm.
1 September, 1901.

" Method for Determining the Value of Chromic Acid and the
Soluble Chromates." By Lyman F. Kebler. (See this Journal, 395.)

" Cold Cream." Theodore Campbell submitted the following for-
mula which is somewhat similar to one devised by W. C. Alpers
and published in this Journal, 1901, p. 117.

Spermaceti, 125 grammes; White Wax, 120 grammes; Mineral
Oil, 600 c.c. ; Stronger Rose Water, 190 c.c. ; Borax, 5 grammes;
Oil of Rose, gtt. 5.

Cut wax and spermaceti in small pieces, add oil, apply gentle
heat, to about 1400 F. Dissolve borax in rose water, apply gentle
heat, same temperature as wax and oil.

Add aq. rose and borax, previously heated, to the oil and waxes,
without stirring and then stir rapidly and continuously until mix.
ture becomes uniformly soft and creamy. When cool, add oil of
rose.

" Oleate of Mercury." F. W. E. Stedem states that this oleate may
be preserved by the use of petroleum jelly. The oleate is made as
directed by the U.S. P., using but 75 per cent, of oleic acid and after
the solution is complete, 25 per cent, of white petroleum jelly is
added.

" Tabulation of 1 ,000 Prescriptions." By C. H. La Wall and M. W.
Bamford.

" The Analysis of 1,000 Prescriptions." By S. Reed Hassinger.
"Toxins and Antitoxins." Prof. C. B. Lowe gave a popular talk
on this subject.

" Native Drugs." By Isaac M. Weills. The author gives an ac-
count of the medicinal plants gathered almost entirely on his own
grounds in Washington, Pa., samples of which he exhibited in con-
nection with the paper.

" The Deterioration of Artificial Foods." By Charles H. La Wall.
This will appear in a later issue of this Journal.

"Laboratory Notes." By Robert C. Pursel and Willard R. Gra-
ham. These will be published in a later issue of this Journal.

F. T. Gordon presented notes on the following :

" Wood Alcohol in the Preparation of Narcotic Fluid Extracts."
The author made preparations of aconite, belladonna, cannabis
indica, capsicum, conium, digitalis, nux vomica, hyoscyamus,
stramonium and veratrum viride and found the fluid and solid
extracts made with both methyl and wood alcohol to be practically

As^ptJembef,hi9or-} Pharmaceutical Associations. 469

the same as the U.S.P. in regard to strength of active principle.
(See Scoville, Amer. Drug., September 11, 1890.)

" The Use of Wood Alcohol in the Preparation of Tincture of
Iodine." The author concludes that it is unfit to be used unless a
strong counter-irritant is desired and even then it should be used
with caution. (See Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1901, p. 285.)

The author says no substances will successfully counteract the
odor of wood alcohol, but that the addition of more odorous sub-
stances (what ?) will mask the peculiar odor to some extent.

The commercial precipitated phosphate of calcium contains
usually a small amount of calcium sulphate ; one sample contained
as much as 20 per cent. The presence of arsenic was ascertained
in samples.

The aconite root of the market appears to be contaminated in a
number of instances with roots of other species of aconitum, horse-
radish, and inferior aconite.

Commercial phosphate of soda does not respond to U.S.P. tests for
arsenic, but two samples showed traces of arsenic by the method of
Dozzard and Cody (see also E. H. Gane in Amer. Drug., 1900, p. 101).

Acetic acid as a menstruum may be used in the preparation of
extract of gentian and ipecac. (See Squibb, Amer. Jour. Pharm.,
1899, pp. I and 305 ; 1900, pp. 1 and 311.) The author does not
see any necessity for change of name in fluid or solid extracts
made with acetic acid.

Collodion of the U.S.P. varies in consistency depending upon the
gun cotton. One manufacturer allows the collodion to stand six
months after preparation before selling it. He also uses a slightly
greater proportion of alcohol.

A process of assay of veratrum album is given, being a modifica-
tion of method given by Lyons, acetic acid being used in the
extraction.

" Note on Commercial Lard." (See Bamford, Amer. Jour. Pharm.,
1 90 1, p. 29.)

The red coloration in carbolic acid appears to be due, as already
pointed out by Walter (Pharmaz. Jour., " Progress in Pharmacy
and Therapeutics," Lehn and Fink, Feb., 1900, p. 55), to the
action of ozone or hydrogen peroxide and traces of iron, contained
in the container or acid itself. This is confirmed by the author.

" Vanillin." The author gives tests and method of estimation.

47°

Pharmaceu tical A ssociations.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
I September, 1901.

" Powdered Drugs." The author points out that if the manu-
facturer can establish a standard of assay for commercial reasons,
the Pharmacopceia can certainly do as much for higher reasons.

" Assay of Cinchona Bark." The author recommends the pro-
cess of Dr. Caspar (Lyon's " Drug Assaying,") estimating the
quinine in total alkaloids.

" Laboratory Notes." The author offers some practical sugges-
tions for making and keeping such notes.

" Powdered Drugs." F. W. E. Stedem states that he has found it
impossible to produce a No. 60 power of aconite root without at
the same time reducing the outside cortical layer to a very fine
powder.

" The Prime Cause of Failure in Passing State Board of Pharmacy
Examinations." Louis Emanuel stated that one of the causes was
that many applicants were incompetent and that some of the leading
colleges were lax in their graduation requirements.

" State Pharmaceutical Examining Board." Louis Emanuel pre-
sented a statement of facts concerning the activity of the Board as
shown during the past year. This paper was referred to a com-
mittee who reported subsequently that the " Association pledges to
the Pharmacy Board its most cordial support in its efforts to enforce
properly the laws of this Commonwealth, but it distinctly condemns
the methods that have been employed by the Board."

" Minor Surgery." By Dr. B. Franklin Stahl. After defining this
division of surgery as given in the " American Text-Book of Sur-
gery," the author states that the druggist is not qualified to attend
to such work and should not be taught minor surgery. He, how-
ever, states that every well informed citizen should know what to
do in an emergency threatening life or physical well-being.

"Applied Therapeutics for Pharmacists." D. J. Thomas is of the
opinion that a course in applied therapeutics would be of advantage
to graduates in pharmacy.

In a paper on " Is Alcohol a Stimulant or an Anaesthetic," D. J.
Thomas endeavors to show that ethyl alcohol is an anaesthetic.

H. F. Ruhl presented a paper on "Advertising for the Pharma-
cist," and W. M. Chalfant gave one on " Does Advertising Pay."

" Worcester Plan." Charles Leedom presented a paper on this
plan for the restoration of prices.

THE AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY

OCTOBER, iqoi.

CALCIUM OXALATE CRYSTALS IN THE STUDY OF
VEGETABLE DRUGS.1

The value of the study of reserve starch grains in determining
the origin of certain vegetable foods and drugs has been recognized
for a number of years. It is, however, becoming more evident that
the starch grains which we recognize as typical and say are charac-
teristic of certain products occur in a relatively small proportion
to the whole number of grains, i. e. the spherical and ellipsoidal
starch grains occur in all starchy products no matter what their
origin may be and the so-called characteristic grains (as the angular
grain in corn, or the excentric grain with characteristic point of
growth and lamellae in maranta, potato, calumba, etc.), are by no
means so numerous as is commonly supposed. So that, for instance,
an examination of wheat-flour2 which has been admixed with say,
from 5 to 10 per cent, of corn meal, reveals in a microscopical mount
of a milligramme of the material but two or three typical corn
starch grains; and even though the admixture is about 25 per
cent, only about seven typical grains will be found.

On the other hand calcium oxalate occurs in crystals of definite
form and size in a large number of drugs and in only a compara-
tively few instances is there a distinct variation in the type, as for
instance in Datura stramonium L.3

1 Presented at the St. Louis meeting of the'American Pharmaceutical Asso-
ciation, September, 1901.

2 Kraemer, Jour. Am. Chem. Soc, 1899, p. 650.
3Kraemer in Proc. A. A. A. S., 1899, p. 305.

By Henry Kraemer.

(47i)

472

Calcium Oxalate Crystals.

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
I October, 1901.

R. von Wettstein in a study of the Umbelliferae has shown that
the presence and distribution of calcium oxalate crystals are import-
ant factors in systematic work, at least in this family, and my own
studies of the Solanaceae also tend to confirm this view. It may
also be noted that soil conditions do not seem to influence the
amount of this salt, i. e. a plant growing in silicious soil will con-
tain about the same amount as one growing in calcareous soil. I
have, however, already referred to the fact that when fungi1 are
growing on plants there is likely to be a decrease in the number
of calcium oxalate crystals usually present.

Calcium oxalate occurs in plants in either the monoclinic or
tetragonal system. The crystals of the monoclinic system are
rather widely distributed and consist of Ca C204 -f- 3 to 6 mole-
cules of H20 ; while those of the tetragonal system occur less fre-
quently and the salt has the formula Ca C204 -f 1 to 2 molecules
of water. It is rather interesting to note that while both forms of
crystals may be obtained in even the same solution artificially, that
in nature the one form or the other is constant for the species.
Various explanations have been offered showing under what condi-
tions the two forms of crystals arise. Haushoper states that the
tetragonal crystals are formed in a neutral or alkaline solution,
whereas the monoclinic crystals require an acid solution for their
formation. Kny believes that when there is more calcium in pro-
portion to the oxalic acid, tetragonal crystals are formed, but when
the proportions are reversed then crystals of the monoclinic system
arise. The observations of Kohl tend to confirm the studies of
Kny.

While calcium oxalate crystallizes in these two systems, it is
highly probable that but one of these systems is represented by our
vegetable drugs, viz., the monoclinic system, which includes a num-
ber of forms as follows :

(1) Rosette aggregates, or what are commonly termed rosette-
shaped crystals.

(2) Prisms, pyramids and elongated or irregular hexagonal-
shaped crystals.

(3) Crystal-fibers.

(4) Raphides.

1 Kraemer in Proc. A. Ph. A., 1898, p. 297.

Ao'iober,Pi90Lm-} -Calcium Oxalate Crystals. 473

(5) Cryptocrystalline crystals.

(6) Membrane crystals.

1. Rosette Aggregates consist of numerous small prisms and pyra-
mids or hemihedral crystals more or less regularly arranged on a
central crystal and having the appearance of a rosette or star.
The development of this form may be readily followed in the stem
of Datura stramonium L. This form is more largely represented
in our drugs than any other form and the following is a list of the
pharmacopceial drugs in which the crystals of this class are con-
tained, together with the size of the crystals :

Althaea, 25 microns.

Anisum, 2-3 microns.

Belladonnae folia, occasionally.

Buchu, 15-25 microns.

Calendula, 4 microns.

Cannabis indica, about 20 microns.

Carum, 0.5-1.0 microns.

Caryophyllus, 10-15 microns.

Chimaphila, 40-60 microns.

Conium, 1-2 microns.

Coriandrum, 3-7 microns.

Cusso, about 20 microns.

Briodictyon, 20-25 microns.

Euonymus, 15-20 microns.

Foeniculum, 1-2 microns.

1 Frangula, 5-20 microns.

Geranium, 45-70 microns.

Gossypii radicis cortex, about 20 microns

1 Granatum, about 15 microns.

Humulus, 10-15 microns.

Jalapa, 30-35 microns.

Pilocarpus, 20-30 microns.

Pimenta, 10 micron ; occasionally 25 microns.

Prunus Virginiana, 20-30 microns.

Quercus alba, 10-20 microns.

1 Rhamnus purshiana, 5-20 microns.

Rheum, 50-100 microns.

Rubus, 25-30 microns.

Stillingia, about 35 microns.

Viburnum opulus, occasionally.

Viburnum prunifolium, 15-35 microns.

2. Monoclinic Prisms and Pyramids. — Next to the rosette aggre-
gates the prisms and pyramids occur in the greatest number of

1 In these drugs prisms and pyramids in group No. 2 also occur.

474

Calcium Oxalate Crystals.

/ Am. Jour. Pharm.
X October, 1901.

pharmacopceial drugs. These frequently are so modified in form
that they are of an elongated or irregular hexagonal shape. The
crystals of this group are sometimes mistaken for silicon1. Owing to
the fact that the lumen of the cell in some instances is completely
filled by the crystal and the inner wall having the contour of the
crystal, it is impossible by simply using hydrochloric acid to deter,
mine whether the crystal has been dissolved or not. This group
of crystals is found in the following drugs and in the sizes given :

Calumba, about 15 microns in stone cells.
Cardamomum, 10-25 microns.
Coca, 3-10 microns.
Eucalyptus, 15-25 microns.
Frangula, 5-20 microns.
Gelsemium, 15-30 microns.
2 Granatum, about 15 microns.
Hamamelis, 7-20 microns.

Hyoscyamus, about 10 microns ; single or in twin crystals.
Krameria, about 100 microns.

2 Pimenta, occasionally.
Prunus Virginiana, 20-30 microns.

3 Quassia, about 25 microns.
2Quercus alba, 10-20 microns.
Quillaja, 35-200 microns.
Rhamnus purshiana, 5-20 microns.
Senna, 10-20 microns.

Uva Ursi, 7-10 microns.

Vanilla, 7-35 microns.

2 Viburnum opulus, 15-30 micron.

2 Viburnum prunifolium, occasionally.

Xanthoxylum, 10-25 microns.

3. Crystal Fibers. — In quite a number of drugs a single monoclinic
prism occurs in each of the parenchyma cells, adjoining the schleren-
chyma fibers, and to this single longitudinal row of superimposed
cells the name crystal fiber has been applied. They occur in the fol-
lowing drugs, the size of the individual crystals also being given:

Calamus, about 15 microns.
Frangula, 5-20 microns.

1 Silicon never occurs as a cell content in sharp angular crystals, but occurs
either in more or less elliptical or irregular hollow masses or in more or less
solid irregularly branching masses.

2 Rosette aggregates are also present in these drugs.

3 Cryptocrystalline crystals also occur.

Aroc^ober,PlSoa^m•} Calcium Oxalate Crystals. 475

Glycyrrhiza, 15-20 microns.
Hamamelis, 7-20 microns.
Haematoxylon, 10-15 microns.
Prunus Virginiana, 20-30 microns.
Quercus alba, 10-20 microns.
Quillaja, about 35 microns.
Rhamnus purshiana, 5-20 microns.
Santalum rubrum, 7-15 microns.
Ulmus, 10-25 microns..
Uva Ursi, 7-10 microns.

4. Raphides was the name given by A. de Candolle (1826) to the
groups of needle-shaped crystals found in various plants. These
have been mistaken by several observers for calcium phosphate.1
Usually the cells containing raphides are long, thin-walled and con-
tain sooner or later a mucilage,2 which arises from the cell sap and
behaves with reagents much like cherry-gum. The cells are either
isolated or occur in groups placed end to end, as in Veratrum viride,
forming Hanstein's " Raphidenfuhrenden Schlauchgefasse." Ra-
phides are found in the following drugs, and of the length given with
each :

3 Belladonnse folia, occasionally.
Cinnamomum, about 5 microns.
Convallaria, about 45 microns.
Cypripedium, about 40 microns.
Ipecacuanha, 20-40 microns.
3 Phytolacca radix, about 30 microns.
Sarsaparilla, 6-8 microns.
Scilla, o-i to i*o mm.
Vanilla, about 400 microns.
Veratrum viride, about 45 microns.

5. Cryptocrystalline crystals of calcium oxalate are exceedingly
small (about -2 to 10 microns in diameter) deltoid or arrow-shaped,
and are so numerous as to entirely fill the parenchyma cells in
which they occur, giving the cells a grayish-black appearance and
readily distinguishing them from other plant cells. Vesque sup-
posed that they were tetrahedrons and termed them " Sable Tetrae-

1 Calcium phosphate is apparently seldom found in plants except either in
solution or in combination with protein substance.

2 Kraemer im Am. Jour. Pharm., 1898, 225.

3 Cryptocrystalline crystals also occur.

47<5

Calcium Oxalate Crystals.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
1 October, 1901.

drique." My own investigations tend rather to the opinion that
they are in the nature of hemihedral forms of monoclinic crystals.
This view is strengthened by the fact that monoclinic prisms occur
in neighboring cells in the same plant as in Datura stramonium L.,
Quassia, etc. Cryptocrystalline crystals are found in the following
drugs :

Belladonnse folia.
Belladonnse radix.
Cinchona.
Phytolacca radix.
Quassia.

6. Membrane crystals. — There are several forms of crystals
which may be included in this group. The so-called Rosanoff
crystals 1 consist of rosette aggregates attached to inward protrud-
ing walls of the plant cell. These, however, do not concern us so
much as the large monoclinic crystals which have a membrane
(called by Payen " tissu special ") surrounding them. The crystal
first appears in the cell-sap and then, in the protoplasm around the
crystal, numerous oil globules appear; later some of the walls of
the cell thicken and grow around the crystal which they finally
completely envelop. Crystals of this character and of the sizes
given, are found in the following drugs:

Aurantii amari cortex, 15-20 microns.
Aurantii dulcis cortex, 20-30 microns.

CARBOHYDRATE CRYSTALS.

While calcium oxalate crystals have been mistaken for crystalline
sugars, it should also be pointed out that some of the more or less
soluble carbohydrates, as hesperidin and inulin, may be mistaken
for calcium oxalate. They occur in either sphere-crystals or irregu-
lar spherical aggregates which are more or less easily soluble in
water. They are found in buchu, hedeoma, inula, lappa, pyrethrum,
taraxacum and triticum.

DRUGS WITH LITTLE OR NO CALCIUM OXALATE.

In the following drugs calcium oxalate crystals are either wanting
entirely or so few as to be without any diagnostic value: Aconitum,
apocynum, arnicae flores, capsicum, chirata, cimicifuga, colchici

Rosanoff, in Bot. Zeit , 1865, p. 329.

Aroc"tober,Pi9oai!m'} Deterioration of Artificial Foods. 477

cormis, colchici semen, colocynthus, cubeba, digitalis, eupatorium,
gentiana, grindelia, hydrastis, lappa, leptandra, linum, lobelia, mar-
rubium, mentha piperita, mentha viridis, mezereum, myristica, nux
vomica, pareira, physostigma, piper, podophyllum, rhus glabra,
rosa gallica, sabina, sanguinaria, santonica, sassafras, senega, ser-
pentina, sinapis alba, sinipis nigra, spigelia, staphisagria, strophan-
tus, sumbul, valerian and zingiber.

CONCLUSION.

The value of the study of the characteristic form, or absence of
calcium oxalate crystals, is at once apparent when we consider the
ease with which one can distinguish without question the Solana-
ceous leaves, horny belladonna root from inula, the genuine cinna-
mons, strophanthus seeds, and other drugs from those that are
spurious ; as also true spigelia from an adulterant which contains
calcium carbonate. Examples requiring verification of this kind
are continually coming up in not only the determination of pow-
dered drugs, but crude drugs as well.

THE DETERIORATION OF ARTIFICIAL FOODS.
By Chari^s H. IvAWalIv.

The deterioration or change which so often takes place in artifi-
cial foods, is a subject which is of vital importance, not only to the
manufacturer who prepares the food and puts it upon the market,
but also to the consumer who purchases it.

The druggist who keeps it in stock is an interested party as well
as the physician who recommends its use.

In view of the fact that there are so many persons concerned in
the matter, it is strange that little or nothing has been published
relative to a matter of such widespread importance, but the fact
remains that all of the literature on the subject is fragmentary and
confined almost exclusively to technical works with which the
average pharmacist or physician is unfamiliar,

The following paper is offered with the hope that a proper un-
derstanding of the principles involved will result in the instituting
of such precautionary measures as will be found necessary to pre-
vent the likelihood of possibility of such change taking place.

To intelligently comprehend the subject, some consideration

478

Deterioration of Artificial Foods.

/Am. Jour. Pharm
X October, 1901.

must be given primarily to the ingredients and constituents of the
various artificial foods.

The constituents taken collectively may be divided into three
general classes, *. e. :

(1) Fats.

(2) Proteids.

(3) Carbohydrates.

These may be still further subdivided according to their origin,
whether it be animal or vegetable ; the carbohydrates may be
soluble or insoluble, that is, they may consist of sugars or dextrins,
or they may belong to the group of starches.

The ingredients furnishing these constituents may be of the fol-
lowing :

Dried milk, flours or ground cereals, sugars or dextrins, starches,
desiccated eggs or meat extracts.

The deterioration may be due to chemical changes involving one
or more of these constituents or may be due to physical alterations
brought about in one of several ways.

The principal causes involving chemical change may be divided
into three classes, i. e.

(1) Oxidation of the fatty matter, resulting in what is commonly
known as rancidity.

(2) Fermentative changes, which generally affect the carbohy-
drates.

(3) Putrefactive changes, which involve the proteid or albuminous
matter.

The oxidation of the fatty matter is the only one of these
changes that can possibly take place in the dry product, as both
putrefaction and fermentation require the presence of a certain
amount of moisture for their accomplishment.

This oxidation as it is called may be of bacterial origin, or it
may be due simply to the action of the oxygen in the atmosphere.
The latter supposition is borne out by the fact that this change
occurs in dry material (or material containing less than 5 per
cent, of moisture), is favored by access of air and retarded by pro-
tection from the atmosphere.

"Thorpe's Dictionary of Chemistry " says concerning the stabil-
ity of fixed oils and fats : " If air be excluded the fixed oils may
be preserved unchanged for a lengthened period ; when absolutely

Ano'ctXr,Pi9oTm'} Deterioration of Artificial Foods. 479

free from foreign matter most of them remain unchanged, but com-
mercial specimens gradually turn rancid. This alteration is
generally attributed to the presence of certain foreign matters, such
as the cellular substance of the animal or plant from which the oil
was extracted ; volatile fatty acids are set free. Max Grager con-
siders that rancidity is due to the oxidation of fatty acids and gly-
cerin in presence of traces of water."

Decomposition of this kind is favored by continued exposure to
high temperature, such as being placed on a shelf which adjoins a
chimney flue.

Fermentative changes and alterations produced by the agency ot
micro-organisms are of rare occurrence unless the product has be-
come damp, either from being packed in containers which were not
thoroughly dried, or by the absorption of moisture from being kept
in a damp place, or the packages themselves becoming wet through
accident. Where the container is air- and moisture-proof these lat-
ter causes are eliminated from consideration.

Mould growths will take place in the presence of 10 per cent, of
moisture, while bacteria will not flourish in the presence of less
than 50 per cent, of moisture except in the presence of sugars,
when the limit is reached with 30 per cent, of moisture.

When fermentative changes have once set in it is difficult to
retard their operation.

There are some species of bacteria that will flourish after having
been subjected to a pressure of 600 atmospheres for twenty-four
hours, and on the other hand many of them will thrive better in the
absence of oxygen than when freely exposed to the air. Fermenta-
tive changes alter the nature of the product, but seldom evolve any
products of a harmful nature.

It is the putrefactive changes which are most to be feared, for
they involve the nitrogenous or proteid matter and often produce
toxic substances such as ptomaines, or the so-called cadaver alka-
loids.

The cases in which putrefactive changes have taken place are of
rare occurrence, however, on account of the large amount of mois-
ture necessary for their successful accomplishment. Then, too, such
alterations are usually accompanied by the production of sul-
phuretted odorous compounds which give warning of the change
which has occurred. The first step in putrefaction is the peptoniza-

480 Deterioration of Artificial Foods. {^m6ix^^\m'

tion of the albuminous matter, after which the liberation of vola-
tile fatty acids and sulphuretted gases takes place and the produc-
tion of the toxic principles or ptomaines is the last step in the
series of changes which take place.

It therefore follows that, if air and moisture be excluded, food
products will keep for an indefinite period and this has been borne
out by experimental work performed by numerous investigators on
the subject.

When the package is not air tight the product should always be
kept in a cool dry place, as this is the safest way to minimize the
chances of deterioration occurring.

Another change which often takes place in products of this kind
is one which involves purely physical processes and which is
applicable also to many other substances kept in the store, such as
ground drugs and spices.

This change is produced by the absorption of odorous conv
pounds and subsequent alteration of odor and flavor, either by the
close proximity of some volatile body having a powerful odor, or
by the standing in an atmosphere surcharged with such odorous
compounds. It is a well known fact that most drug stores have a
distinctive odor, usually of an unpleasant character, and at certain
seasons of the year, when naphthalene, or "coal tar camphor" as
it is termed, is in great demand, some druggists have window dis-
plays in which a large amount of the product is heaped up so as to
attract attention. As this compound is very volatile and of a pecu-
liar penetrating odor it can easily be seen that when the store is
closed up for the night so that there is no ventilation to carry the
odor out, every container in the store which is not practically air-
tight will be subjected to the influence of this vapor, and in such
cases as the food products, ground spices and many of the ground
drugs, enough of the odor is often absorbed to be readily appreci-
able to the senses for a long time afterward. A retail druggist
some time ago was questioned on this subject and in reply said that
he had learned this fact after losing two customers who had bought
ground spices from him after he had been having a window display
of flake naphthalene, and that he now handled the substance only in
sealed cartons, and had also taken the trouble to rearrange his
drawer stock so that the strongly odorous substances like asafcetida,
camphor, etc., were kept away from such substances as ground elm
bark, ground spices, etc.

Ato'ctober,Pi9oi!m'} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 481

There is not a single druggist in the business to-day who does
not know these facts perfectly well, but many are careless about
putting their theoretical knowledge to practical use, and it is only
with a view of reminding them of the possible consequences of inat-
tention to such details, that the foregoing paper is offered.

RECENT LITERATURE RELATING TO PHARMACY.

ASSAY OF PHOSPHORUS IN OILS.

After trying all suggested methods the following was found most
satisfactory.

Thirty c.c. oil is treated with three times its volume of ether and
to the solution 8 to 12 c.c. of a 10 per cent, alcoholic solution silver
nitrate is added and the mixture well shaken, The precipitate is
thrown on an asbestos filter, washed with ether, transferred to a
flask. After dissipation of the adhering ether, by warming in
vacuo, a mixture consisting of 10 c.c. concentrated nitric acid, 10
c.c. concentrated sulphuric acid and 10 c.c. water is added to the
residue and the mixture allowed to stand an hour. It is then
gently warmed until red-brown vapors cease, filtered, precipitated
with ammonium molybdate, precipitate dissolved in ammonia
water and finally assayed for phosphates by the usual magnesia-
mixture method. Practising on known quantities of phosphorus,
the yield was 90 per cent, of the theoretical. — (Dr. H. Franckel,
Ph. Post, 1901, 117). H. V. Arny.

ANATOMICAL COMPARISON OF BERBERIS BARKS.

After lengthy histological description of the bark of Berberis
aristata, with comparisons to the bark of other species of Berberis,
W. Mitlacher (Ph. Post, 1901, 129), finds but slight differences in
their anatomy. Berberis vulgaris and B. aquifolium have more pro-
nounced sclerotization of the medullary rays than has B. aristata.
In the barks of both B. aristata and B. aquifolium, hard bast is lack-
ing in the phloem ; thus distinguishing these two from B. vulgaris.

The most prominent marks of distinction of B. aristata are ;
preponderance of sieve tubes over parenchyma in the soft bast ;
presence of crystals of calcium oxalate in the medullary rays,
their quantity being in direct proportion to the amount of sclerotiza-
tion of the same tissue; extreme breadth of medullary rays;
absence of interfascicular wood. H. V. A.

482 American Pharmaceutical Association. {AaoioberPi90Lm'

AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.

The forty-ninth annual meeting was held in St. Louis, September
16-21. At the first general meeting held on Monday afternoon,
September 16, the President, John F. Patton, delivered the annual
address. It was devoted to the consideration of the notable achieve-
ments of the last century in pharmacy, the progress in chemistry
and its application to other branches of science. The lives and
works of Dr. Rice, Dr. Squibb, and Hans M. Wilder were briefly
referred to. Some of the problems in educational work were con-
sidered and Mr. Patton said that the hope of bettering the condi.
tions for the pharmacist lies in bettering the individual. The effec-
tive work of the committee on national legislation was commented
upon and the speaker in conclusion referred to the proposed Procter
memorial and suggested that a Procter memorial medal be bestowed
by the Association.

An interesting feature of this session was the reading of a letter
from Prof. A. B. Prescott, who is visiting in London and who referred
to his cordial reception at the recent meeting of the British Phar-
maceutical Conference in Dublin.

At the second general session the following officers were elected :
President, H. M. Whelpley ; Vice-Presidents, W. M. Searby, George
F. Payne and W. S. Thompson1; General Secretary, Charles Caspari,
Jr. ; Treasurer, S. A. D. Sheppard ; Reporter on Progress of Phar-
macy, C. Lewis Diehl. W. L. Cliffe was elected Local Secretary at
a subsequent meeting of the Council. The time and place of meet-
ing for 1902 is Philadelphia not earlier than September first. It was
proposed, inasmuch as this is to be the semi-centennial anniversary
of the Association, that Dr. Fr. Hoffmann, Berlin, be asked to
preside at a special session and deliver an address on that occasion.
The number of applicants for membership reported at this
meeting was nearly 1 50. The remainder of this session was
devoted to the consideration of the reports of officers and stand-
ing committees. The Secretary, Charles Caspari, Jr., in addition
to his usual report, stated that the receipts from the sale of the
National Formulary since its inception was something over

1 William S. Thompson died very suddenly of angina pectoris on September
26th, at his home in Washington, D. C. He had not only rendered valuable
service in the American Pharmaceutical Association, but was also Chairman of
the Board of Trustees of the U. S. Pharmacopceial Convention.

A™ctSber,%™'} American -Pharmaceutical Association. 483

$12,000, and that there was a profit to the Association of over
$4,000. The chairman of the Committee on Membership, George
W. Kennedy, reported that 102, or about 82 per cent, of the mem-
bers proposed at the Richmond meeting had completed their mem-
bership. In addition an eloquent tribute was paid to the memories
of Dr. Rice and Dr. Squibb. The treasurer, S. A. D. Sheppard,
reported that the cash received during the year amounted to
$8,595.40 and that the cash to new account was $1,379.52. C.
Lewis Diehl, Reporter on Progress of Pharmacy, presented his usual
report. The Committee on Credentials gave a report through its
chairman, William M. Searby. The chairman of the Committee on
National Legislation, Albert E. Ebert, reported the work that had
been done by the committee, in cooperation with other organizations,
in the successful repeal of the Stamp Tax and then moved that a
permanent committee consisting of three members, one of whom
should be located in Washington, and to which all matters relating
to national legislation shall be referred, be appointed. The chair-
man of the Special Committee on Weights and Measures, Frank
G. Ryan, reported that :

"During the past year some definite progress has been made
toward the adoption of the metric system in the various depart-
ments of our Government. Although the final result is by no means
certain another step in the right direction has been taken. The
Committee on Coinage, Weights and Measures of the House of
Representatives through its chairman, Mr. Southard, reported the
following bill with a favorable recommendation on March i, 1 90 1 :

"A BILL

"To adopt the weights and measures of the metric system as the standard
weights and measures in the United States.
" Be it Enacted, By the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That on and after the first day of
January, nineteen hundred and three, ajl the Departments of the Government
of the United States, in the transaction of all business requiring the use of
weight and measurement, except in completing the survey of public lands,
shall employ and use only the weights and measures of the metric system ; on
and after the first day of January, nineteen hundred and three, the weights and
measures of the metric system shall be the legal standard weights and meas-
ures of and in the United States."

This bill was committed to the Committee of the Whole House
on the state of the Union, and ordered to be printed. It is hoped

484 American Pharmaceutical Association. { ^ctoblr?mi.m'

that it may receive consideration at the coming session of the 57th
Congress.

Owing to the many changes in the membership of the House of
Representatives it will be necessary to acquaint a large number of
new members with the advantages to be gained by the adoption
of this measure and your committee would request the active sup-
port of the individual members of this Association in an effort to
convince their Representatives in Congress of the desirability of the
adoption of the metric system.

Although the growth of the use of the metric system by physi-
cians is not as rapid as we would wish, its adoption in manufacturing
enterprises is certainly encouraging. While our Government at
Washington has taken about thirty-four years to think the subject
over, our practical business men are likely to settle the question in
many lines of trade by adopting metric measurement for carrying
on foreign business transactions.

The expanding foreign commerce of our country will have an
important bearing upon the final outcome of the question. The
advocates of the metric system have now the support of nearly all of
the trade press and many of the leading daily papers actively advo-
cate its adoption.

It is not to be supposed that the millions of dollars invested in
intricate machinery is to be lost by discarding the latter and re-
placing with new models built on metric measurements, but a
gradual change can be made and this as rapidly as demands will
warrant. Probably no form of occupation using weights and meas-
ures could make the complete change with less expense than those
of medicine and pharmacy. It is perfectly obvious that pharmacists
can never wholly discard old systems of weights and measures until
such time as physicians shall entirely abandon their use. As we
have before advocated it will be necessary for our medical colleges
to teach their students only in terms of the metric system, and in
a comparatively brief period the change from the old to the new can
be accomplished in so far as our occupation is directly concerned.

Appended to this report was submitted the complete report of
the Committee of the House of Representatives which includes the
bibliography of the documents presented to Congress from the year
1790 to 1896, which was recommended to the Publication Com-
mittee of this Association for printing in the proceedings.

Anoctober1^90hm"} American Pharmaceutical Association. 485

At the third general session on Wednesday morning Joseph P.
Remington, chairman of the Committee on Exhibits, presided. The
entire session was devoted to short talks by those having exhibits
at the meeting or their representatives. One of the most interest-
ing exhibits was a collection of Pharmacopoeias from the S. A. D.
Sheppard Library of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. This
collection consists of 275 pharmacopoeias which were collected by
Mr. Sheppard, in which he was assisted by the late Charles Rice and
which he donated to the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.

C. S. N. Hallberg had an exhibit of cerates, ointments, plasters and
oleates representing the results of the experiments of the sub-commit-
tee on the Revision of the U.S.P., of which he is chairman. The ex-
hibit from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy consisted of
valuable historical manuscripts and books, among which were the
original notes on the Revision of theU.S.P., by the late William Proc-
ter, Jr. Albert Schneider exhibited a number of pen and ink draw-
ings of the important characteristics of powdered vegetable drugs.

The exhibits of some of the manufacturing houses were most
instructive. Parke Davis & Co. exhibited adrenalin, F. G. Ryan de-
scribing its mode of preparation and uses. Smith, Kline & French
Co. had an exhibit of adulterated drugs which formed the basis of
a paper by Lyman F. Kebler, which was read in abstract in the Sci-
entific Section. The exhibit of Rosengarten & Sons was devoted to
specimens of cinchona barks and the alkaloids obtained therefrom.
Sharpe & Dohme had an extensive exhibit of the various pharma-
ceutical preparations manufactured by this firm. Merck & Co. ex-
hibited a complete line of the chemicals which they manufacture
and which elicited a great amount of attention not only on account
of the variety of products but also on account of the quantities
exhibited. E. R. Squibb & Sons had an exhibit of preparations in
which acetic acid was used as a menstruum. The exhibit of the
William S. Merrell Chemical , Co. embraced a collection of the
derivatives of hydrastis and oil of gaultheria. There were a num-
ber of other interesting exhibits.

SCIENTIFIC SECTION.

In order to allow those who desired to attend the memoria
services in honor of President McKinley on Thursday afternoon,
the work of the section was limited to two sessions ; and notwith-

486 American Pharmaceutical Association. {A™'ctoberPi90Lm'

standing this reduction in time and the fact that the Section on
Practical Pharmacy and Dispensing held a simultaneous meet-
ing on Friday morning, the work of the section was eminently
successful, the number of papers considered being more than usual.
The chairman, Oscar Oldberg, delivered the annual address which
we publish nearly in full.

Scientific medicine can accomplish little or nothing without the aid of
scientific pharmacy. The recognition of this truth is not as pronounced and
general as it might be ; but, feeble as it is, it accounts for the Scientific Section
of the American Pharmaceutical Association. Signs of scientific activity in
American pharmacy are by no means wanting. The American Pharmacopoeia
is scientific and technical to a degree which gives it high rank among the phar-
macopoeias of the world. None of them are perfect ; but the unscientific fea-
tures seen in them are being gradually eliminated. The progress in medicine
is rapid. The progress in pharmacy must keep pace with it. New remedies
are discovered almost daily. These must be studied, analyzed, described ; and
means provided for their identification and examination. All of this work
must be done by scientifically trained specialists — the pharmacists.

The Pharmacopoeia must be understood and obeyed. It can be fully under-
stood only by pharmacists of proper scientific-technical education. We all
subscribe to the principle that the training of the pharmacist must not fall
below that which is necessary to an intelligent interpretation and application
of the text of the Pharmacopoeia, and that as the Pharmacopoeia is improved,
pharmacy and pharmacists must improve with it.

The only truly practical pharmacist is the educated pharmacist. If the
papers read before this Section of the American Pharmaceutical Association
may be taken as a reliable index of the scientific progress of American phar-
macy we would have little cause for regret. But these papers do not indicate
what proportion of the pharmacists of our country are actually doing their
work in a scientific manner.

During the past ten years 218 papers were read before the Scientific Section
of this Association . Of these 218 papers 165 came from the pharmaceutical
schools, twenty-two from the laboratories of manufacturing pharmacists, and
thirty-one from other sources. Not all of the thirty-one others were practicing
pharmacists. It is quite natural that a large proportion of the scientific papers
read here should come from the schools and from the laboratories of manufac-
turers. We have a right to expect it of them. But may we not expect more
than thirty papers in ten years from the practicing pharmacists of this great
and progressive country ? I believe that the technical knowledge and training
of the members of this Association ought to bear more abundant fruit in the
Scientific Section.

This Section is vitally concerned in the question of pharmaceutical educa-
tion and legislation. If we do not sow the seed and diligently cultivate the
ground, neither can we reap.

The most direct, simple and rational method of ascertaining whether or not
a man has really prepared himself in any serious way for the responsible duties
of pharmacy is to require him to state specifically what he has done in that

A™'ctober^9oi!m" } American Pharmaceutical Association. 487

direction. Then, if his categorical answers show that he has actually done
enough to justify the hope that he may possibly know enough to be recognized
as a pharmacist, give him an examination. But the Boards of Pharmacy never
ask a candidate whether or not he has ever pursued any course of study, or
received any instruction, or done any work along the lines upon which the
examination is conducted. They do ask the candidate if he has attended or
graduated from any college of pharmacy. If he answers " yes" then they feel
in duty bound to punish him with a more perplexing examination. If he says
"no," then they give him a milder examination; but they never refuse to
examine a candidate who may be obliged to confess beforehand that he never
studied chemistry, or materia medica, or pharmacy in all his life. You might
think that their object is to effectually convince the young man he ought not
to insult the examiners by asking for an examination upon matters about
which he ought to know that he is totally ignorant ; but many of these candi-
dates pass, become registered pharmacists, and are later called upon by the
energetic friends of the American Pharmaceutical Association and invited to
become members of this body.

Let us think. Is it any wonder that such men refuse to join our Associa-
tion ? Or that they join one year and drop out the next year? Or that they
do not participate actively in our work if they do become members ?

At its last annual meeting the American Pharmaceutical Association, to its
everlasting credit, adopted, without a dissenting vote, a draft of a "model
pharmacy law" the most important feature of which was the requirement that
no person should hereafter be admitted to the rank of a registered pharmacist
unless he has graduated from a pharmaceutical school. Will not the Associa-
tion now go one step further and fix some kind of an educational qualification
or standard of technical training for membership. We cannot consistently do
less. Let us remember that the old membership which has made this Associa-
tion what it is must pass away. Let us provide for the future of our dearly
beloved Association by seeing to it that its coming membership shall be such
as to preserve and improve it.

The strenuous method of increasing our membership in numbers is perhaps
a good thing for the new members as well as for the present needs of our
treasury ; but let us henceforth particularly strive to enlist into our ranks as
many as possible of the men who may increase the usefulness, influence and
good name of our Association in the scientific direction.

Then will we have more than thirty papers in ten years from those of our
members who are not engaged in teaching or in manufacturing.

I may not attempt any review of important discoveries during the past year
in the sciences most intimately related to pharmacy. It is, in the nature of
things, forbidden the Chairman of this Section. Yet I may be pardoned for
calling your attention to the possible if not probable solution of one of the
mooted questions which has puzzled the student of chemistry during recent
years. The gaseous elements recently discovered in the atmosphere, for which,
it was said, no place could be found in the periodic system of classification,
seem to fit into that system so perfectly as to add new evidence to the truth of
the periodic law, for neon, argon, crypton and xenon would seem to form one
family which belongs, as another 8th group, between the halogens and their
antipodes, the alkali metals :

488

American Pharmaceutical Association. {

Am. Jour. Pbarru.
October, 1901.

Fluorine

Neon

Sodium

Chlorine

Argon

39-9 (?)
Crypton

Potassium
39

Rubidium

85.5
Caesium

35-5
Bromine

80
Iodine
126.5

Xenon
128

133

With a due sense of the feebleness of my right and fitness to discuss ques-
tions of theoretical chemistry in a critical attitude I ask your attention, fur-
ther, to the inconsistencies of the molecular formula and weights used in our
pharmaceutical and chemical works. If we subscribe to the theory that mole-
cules are the smallest particles into which any particular kind of matter can be
divided without losing the specific properties which determine its individuality,
we shall have little difficulty in remedying a few of the inconsistencies referred
to. Avogadro's law states that equal volumes of all gases contain an equal
number of molecules ; but it seems to me that no one substance can have more
than one molecular weight. I leave it to the masters of chemistry to say
whether the law of Avogadro ought not to be qualified so as to read to the
effect that equal volumes of all gases contain the same number of individual
particles of matter (not necessarily "molecules").

Our Pharmacopoeia assigns to ferric chloride the old formula. Fe2Cl6, and a
corresponding molecular weight, whereas modern recognized authorities on
chemistry give the new formula FeCl3. Particles of Fe2Cl6 exist in the state
of vapor, and also particles of FeCl3 at a higher temperature. Here the old
formula is inconsistent, while the new one is consistent, with the theory of
atomic linking. On the other hand our Pharmacopoeia writes arsenous oxide
As203 although, so far as I know, that compound has not yet been obtained in
vapor of a density corresponding to that formula, but has been obtained of a
vapor density corresponding to the formula As4Oe.

May it not be profitable to adopt the rule that the molecular weight of any
vaporizable compound must be twice the number indicating its lowest possible
vapor density, and that the molecular formula must be consistent with the
theory of atomic linking? This question is one of interest as well as import-
ance.

The following papers were presented:

The authors have shown that the berberine of Gaze, which is
formed by first forming an insoluble compound of berberine with
acetone and then liberating the berberine from this compound by
boiling with a mixture of alcohol and chloroform for twelve hours
under a reflux condenser, is not free berberine but berberine hydro-
chloride, C20H17NO4HCl -j- 2H20. . This assumption at once clears

The So-called Pure Berberine of R. Gaze.

By H. M. Gordin and C. G. MerrelL

Aloctober,^90hm'} American PJiarmaceutical Association. 489

up the puzzling behavior of Gaze's berberine. It does not absorb
carbon dioxide because it is not the free base but a salt of it. It
does not take up any acid when it is taken up by acid and precipi-
tated with potassium iodide or Wagner's or Mayer's reagent, because
it simply interchanges its acid with the potassium iodide falling out
as a hydriodide, leaving an equivalent amount of potassium chloride
in solution. Silver nitrate reacting with the potassium chloride
exactly as it does with potassium iodide does therefore not show
any consumption of the latter salt.

The Alkaloids of Glaucium Flavum.
By R. Fischer.

The author isolated from this plant two alkaloids, protopine,
identified by analysis, m. p., and crystallographic form, and another
alkaloid, undoubtedly identical with the glaucine of Probst, although
the latter investigator dealt with a very impure substance. Pure
glaucine crystallizes from ethereal solutions in large, well defined
crystals belonging to the rhombic system. It melts at H9°-I20°
and dissolves readily in alcohol, ether, chloroform, acetone and
acetic ether; in water it is but slightly soluble. Glaucine is a very
weak base. It is optically dextrorotatory [L]d, being ~f 1 1 3.3 for
approximately 5 per cent, solution. Its reactions with general
alkaloidal reagents are very delicate and characteristic. The pre-
paration of crystalline gold and platinum salts did not succeed on
account of the strong reducing action of the base. A crystalline
mercury salt, however, was obtained, melting at I30°-I40°.

The empirical formula of glaucine was declared to be C21H25N04.
The analyses of the hydrochlorate and hydrobromate, both well
defined crystalline substances, corroborated these results. Glaucine
is a tertiary base, containing four methoxyl groups. The substitu-
tion product, C17H13(OH)4NHI, was obtained as a crystalline body
and described.

The Alkaloids of Eschscholtzia Californica.
By R. Fischer.

Contrary to the results of Bardet & Adrian the author did not
find any morphine in this drug. Instead, protopine, /9 homocheli-
donine and y homochelidonine were identified by analyses as well
as by m. p. and crystallographic measurements.

490 American Pharmaceutical Association. {A^ciXr.Pi9oi.m'

The Alkaloids of Sanguinaria Canadensis.
By R. Fischer.

The author separated the alkaloids of this drug, chelerythrine,
sanguinarine, protopine and /3 and y homochelidonine according
to a new process. Chelerythrine (C^H^NC^), which before had
always been prepared containing one molecule of alcohol, was ob-
tained by precipitating from acid solution with ammonia and dis-
solving the dried precipitate in toluol, as a crystalline body melting
at 263°-264°, whereas the alcohol containing base melted at 203 °.
Since analyses of this body gave too high results in N, Na2COs
was used as a precipitating agent. Crystals melting at 2570 were
obtained, which contained one-half molecule of toluol of crystalli-
zation, and upon analysis were found to correspond best with the
formula (C21H17N04)2. H20 -J- C6H5CH3. The analysis of san-
guinarine corresponded best with the formula of Kbnig, C20H15

N04+^C2H6OH.

Both ft and y homochelidonine were found in sanguinaria, differ-
ing in crystallographic form as well as in m. p. Upon closer investi-
gation the author concludes that the two are undoubtedly physical
isomers. Depending upon the precipitating agents employed, as
well as upon the temperature, concentrations and nature of the
solvent, either the one or the other of the two forms would be
obtained. The change from the y to the ft homochelidonine was
quantitatively accomplished. The reverse process was only partially
successful. j9 homochelidonine melts at 1590 and was never found
to crystallize with alcohol of crystallization, y homochelidonine melts
at 1690. It sometimes crystallizes with, sometimes without alcohol
and acetic ether of crystallization.

Does Argemone Mexicana Contain Morphine ?

By Julius O. Schlotterbeck.

The author has found the alkaloids protopine and berberine, but
no morphine.

Contribution to the Chemistry of Stylophorum Diphyllum.
By J. O. Schlotterbeck and H. C. Watkins.

The authors have isolated the alkaloids chelidonine, stylophine,
protopine, diphylline and sanguinarine.

Alo"ctobei-,^9oahm*} American Pharmaceutical Association. 491
Separation of Cinchona Alkaloids With Ether.
By Wilbur L. Scoville.

The author has made a series of experiments with anhydrous
ether (Sp. gr., 0-7201) and two lots of ether containing alcohol
with a Sp. gr., respectively of 07250 and 07285, on a mixture of
quinine, 0-300; quinidine, 0020; cinchonidine, 0-150 and cin-
chonine, 0-150. Of this mixture 0-470 was ether soluble. The
figures obtained were variable and it was shown that the alcohol in
the ether has a very important influence upon the results. It was
also pointed out that the separation of quinine by ether must be
considered fallacious.

Creosote.
By Merck & Co.

The authors called attention to the origin and history of the use of
creosote and the confusion of wood-tar creosote with coal-tar creo-
sote and suggested in view ot the increasing use of beech-wood
creosote in treatment of consumption that the word creosote be
applied hereafter only to wood creosote. After an interesting dis-
cussion on the paper, a resolution was passed by the Association to
the effect that in view of the confusion of the name creosote, the
latter should be restricted exclusively to the true wood-tar creosote.

Medicinal Plants of the Philippine Islands.

By Clement B. Lowe.

The author presented a review of a forthcoming book on this
subject, which is being published by P. Blakiston's Son & Co.

Diphtheria Antitoxin.

By Joseph W. England.

The author gave a brief description of the methods of preparing
and standardizing diphtheria antitoxin. Prior to the reading of the
paper, L. E. Sayre, chairman of the committee appointed by the
Association at the Richmond meeting to consider the advisability
of asking the Committee of Revision of the U.S.P. to introduce
diphtheria antitoxin, read his report which was adopted and re-
ferred to the Revision Committee.

492 American Pharmaceutical Association. {Ano*ctober,Pi9oi!m'

The Alkalimetric Factors of Diacid Alkaloids.
By H. M. Gordin.

Inasmuch as in the alkalimetric estimation of alkaloids (Ph. Atch.y
II, No. io) the work is done in an excess of acid, the base in going
out of solution ought always to carry along an amount of hydriodic
acid corresponding to the highest- state of basicity of the alkaloid.
In the case of a monoacid alkaloid, using sulphuric acid for titration
and Wagner's reagent as a precipitant, the reaction ought to go
according to the equation B2H2S04 + 2KI.In = 2BHI.In -f K2S04.
In the case of a diacid base, then, the reaction ought to take place
as follows : BH2S04 + 2KIn = B2HI.In + K2S04.

In the first case one molecule of the monoacid base carries down
one molecule of the monobasic acid (hydriodic). % In the second,
one molecule of the diacid base carries down two molecules of the
monobasic acid. But as the author has shown in another paper,
berberine, even in the presence of excess of acid, is precipitated by
Mayer's or Wagner's reagents, or potassium iodide along with only
one molecule of hydriodic acid. The reaction in the case of ber-
berine goes then as follows: BH2S04 + KIIn = B.HI.In + KHS04.
In this case a diacid base changes its basicity and is precipitated
with only one molecule of hydriodic acid. In applying the alkali-
metric method to the estimation of diacid bases it becomes neces-
sary to establish the basicity of the alkalimetric factors of these
alkaloids with regard to the amount of acid they take up when pre-
cipitated by Mayer's or Wagner's reagents.

An examination of the four principal cinchona alkaloids shows
that, unlike berberine, these alkaloids, when precipitated in presence
of excess of acid, take up two molecules of hydriodic acid for each
molecule of the base.

Two New Methods for the Quantitative Estimation of

Berberine.

By H. M. Gordin.

(i) A definite amount of the crude drug, say 20 gm., are ex-
tracted in a Dunstan & Short apparatus with hot alcohol on an
asbestos plate until the alcohol comes out colorless, or nearly so.
The extract when cold is made up to a definite volume, say ioo c.c,
and filtered if not perfectly clear. To 25 c.c. of the filtrate one or

ADo'ctober,^9oaLm'} American Pharmaceutical Association. 493

two c.c. concentrated sulphuric acid, previously mixed with a few
c.c. alcohol, is added, the mixture diluted with ether to about double
its volume and the assay finished exactly as just described. In the
case of hydrastis, the rest of the alcoholic filtrate can be used for
the estimation of hydrastine. For this purpose the alcohol from 25
c.c. of the alcoholic extract is distilled off till only a few c.c. are left,
the residue diluted with water containing about one per cent, acetic
acid and a few per cent, potassium iodide to 25 c.c. The liquid is
then filtered and 12.5 c.c. of the filtrate are treated as described in
a previous paper. If the liquid in which the berberine is to be
estimated is a strong alcoholic extract like normal tincture of hy-
drastis, 20 c.c. are diluted with four times its amount of alcohol to
100 c.c, filtered if necessary, and 25 c.c. of the filtrate are treated
exactly as above described.

This method is not well adapted to the assay of liquids contain-
ing a considerable amount of water or containing no alcohol at all,
like fluid extract of hydrastis without alcohol. From such liquids,
even after dilution with alcohol and filtration, sulphuric acid and
ether precipitates much coloring matter besides the berberine salts,
so that after the addition of potassium iodide and filtration as above
described, the filtrate is sufficiently colored through the presence of
the coloring matter to make the final reaction lack in sharpness.
Owing to the quickness and simplicity of this assay method, it
might be adopted by many even in those cases where the final reac-
tion is not very sharp, i.e., for solution of berberine salts containing
much water.

But a much more exact assay method which can be used in all
cases is as follows :

(2) Another method of estimating berberine in liquids containing,
much other matter is to separate the berberine by precipitating it
as an insoluble hydroiodide, washing thoroughly with water con-
taining a little potassium iodide and converting the moist hydro-
iodide into the very insoluble and beautifully crystalline berberine
acetone. The latter can then be thoroughly washed with water and
after drying at 105 0 C. to constant weight, weighed. One gm. ber-
berine acetone is equivalent to 0.8524 gm. berberine. In order to
obtain the acetone compound in a crystalline form suitable for wash-
ing it is necessary that the liquid should be warm and should contain
about 33 per cent, acetone.

494

American Pharmaceutical Association. {A

The Estimation of Chloroform.
By W. A. Puckner.

To 10 c.c. of an approximately normal alcoholic solution of potas-
sium hydroxid, either free from chlorides or else of a known chloride
content, and contained in a vial, add a measured volume of the
chloroform-ether mixture representing 0-05-0 2 grammes chloro-
form,1 stopper with a sound cork, cover with cloth and tie this down
firmly, mix the two liquids by rotation, then place the vial in boiling
water in such a way that at no time the contents come in contact
with the cork and retain the temperature for three hours. Remove
the vial from the bath, let cool, add phenolphtalein and then suffi-
cient sulphuric acid to exactly neutralize the liquid,2 then add two
drops of potassium chromate T.S., and titrate with decinormal silver
nitrate. Or if Volhard's method of estimation is preferred, add to
the finished digestion 10 c.c. dilute nitric acid, an excess of deci-
normal silver nitrate, 5 c.c. ferric ammonium sulphate T.S., and de-
termine the excess of silver nitrate with decinormal potassium thio-
cyanate. In either case 1 c.c. of decinormal silver nitrate represents
0-003969 grammes CHC13.

The Characterization and Classification of the Sesquiterpenes

In this, the fourth paper on the sesquiterpenes, the authors pro-
pose a system of classification for these hydrocarbons based on their
structural relationships. According to this system they may be
divided into five classes, as follows :

1 If the per cent, of chloroform in the mixture is not even approximately
known, 1 c.c. may be digested with 25 c.c. normal alcoholic potassium hydroxid
solution for one hour, and the residual alkali determined with normal acid and
phenolphtalein, when the c.c. of normal alkali which disappeared, during the
dige&tion multiplied by o 02977 will give the amount of chloroform contained
therein sufficiently close to judge the quantity to be taken for the actual deter-
mination.

2 This acid need not be of any definite strength ; an approximately normal
acid is convenient. ■

By Oswald Schreiner and Edward Kremers.

(1) Chain

(2) Monocyclic

(3) Dicyclic

(4) Tricyclic

(5) Tetracyclic

compounds with four double bonds.

" three "
a « two « <i

one

110

A™ctober,'i90Lm"} American Pharmaceutical Association. 495

Each class is further divided into nuclear types, consisting ot
cycles of three, four, five or six carbon atoms. Such a system will
include all possible compounds of the formula C15H24.

The second part of the paper is a report on some further experi-
mental work with the sesquiterpenes.

The sesquiterpene of pepper oil has been identified as caryophyl-
lene by preparing the characteristic blue nitrorite of this hydro-
carbon.

The sesquiterpene of ginger oil is shown to be a new compound,
and is designated as zingiberene. A dihydrochloride, a nitron-
chloride, a nitrorate and a nitrorite have been prepared.

Some further derivatives of caryophyllene were also reported on.

Comparative Pharmacological Study of Scopola and
Belladonna.

By Heny H. Rusby.

This paper is a resume of this subject and concludes that when
administered internally scopola is more depressing and toxic, yet
administered externally it shows almost no tendency toward absorp-
tion to the extent of producing systemic effects, but does act locally
with promptness and efficiency ; in eye practice more promptly and
less prolonged, and more efficiently in all the other ways experi-
mented with, save that of the plasters, where it is slightly less
efficient than belladonna. Finally, scopola exhibits a distinct
superiority over belladonna root in its greater uniformity of alka-
loidal percentages.

Calcium Oxalate Crystals in the Study of Vegetable Drugs.

By Henry Kraemer.

The author gave a description of calcium oxalate crystals in
vegetable drugs and considered their diagnostic value. (See page
471 of this Journal.)

Oxygen as a Standard for the Gasometric Tests of the
Pharmacopceia.

By C. G. Hinrichs.

The author has made careful determinations on the oxygen
standard, obtained by dissolving a weighed amount of pure crystal-

496 American Pharmaceutical Association. {A™'cfober.Ii90Lm'

lized permanganate in peroxide of hydrogen acidified by one-eighth
volume concentrated sulphuric acid. Since two atoms of permanga-
nate produce 5 molecules of oxygen gas (half from each of the
permanganate and peroxide, it follows that 316 milligrams give 5
times 24 or 120 c.c. of gas under the standard condition of this
system. Hence 38 c.c. oxygen gas are yielded per decigramme of
permanganate. The determinations made show that the values
chemically produced agree exactly with the requirements of the
reduction by calculation from temperature and pressure.

The Gross and Histological Characters of Powdered Coto,
Paracoto, Wintera and Canella.

By Albert Schneider.

In summing up the histological comparison of the four vegetable
powders, the author gives the following distinguishing characteris-
tics for each :

(1) Coto. — Granular oil globules.

(2) Paracoto. — Absence of above granules.

Another difference between coto and paracoto is the behavior
with nitric acid (concentrated or 40 per cent.). Place a pinch of
the powders upon a slide and add a drop or two of the acid. The
coto turns a deep red, while the paracoto becomes yellowish, which
finally turns to a dirty yellowish olive green.

(3) Wintera. — No oil globules or very large sclerenchyma cells.

(4) Canella. — Numerous bright yellow resin masses, crystals and
unequally thickened sclerenchyma cells. Of course canella is at
once distinguished from the other powders by its color.

The Pharmacologic Assay of Preparations of the Suprarenal

Glands.

By E. M. Houghton.

The author has devised a method based upon the changes pro-
duced in the blood pressure of the corotid artery, when variable
quantities of a given preparation of the suprarenal glands, dissolved
in slightly acidulated water, the inert substance being removed as
far as possible, are injected into the femoral or jugular vein of an
anaesthetized dog or other animal.

A™'ctober,^9oi!m'} American Pharmaceutical Association. 497

Sea Salt.
By Joseph Feil.

The author concludes that sea salt is neither evaporated sea water
nor rock salt, but is purified crude sea salt and should find a place
in the U. S. P., owing to its well-established use.

Note on the Application of the Cold Nitric Acid Test for

Albumen.
By F. W. E. Stedem.

The author recommends the method of Napoleon Boston which
simply allows a little urine to flow into a glass tube of small calibre
by capillary attraction and washing off the outside of the tube with
water, and then immersing the same (holding the finger on the tube
to prevent the escape of the urine) into a test tube of nitric acid.
Remove the thumb or finger very carefully from the tube, allowing
the gradual ingress of the nitric acid from the bottom. The greater
density of acid forces the urine slowly up the tube, and the point
of contact is distinctly marked in the presence of albumen by a
slight but always distinct layer of coagulated albumen.

A Few Remarks on the Atomic Weight of Arsenic.
By G. Hinrichs.

The Committee for the Revision of the U.S. P. has for over a
year had the question of atomic weights under consideration.

In my work just published under the title (i The Absolute
Atomic Weights of the Chemical Elements, Established Upon the
Analyses of the Chemists of the Nineteenth Century, and Demon-
strating the Unity of Matter," I have presented the results of my
investigations extending over almost half a century.

The results obtained by me were illustrated before the Associa-
tion by the example of the atomic weight of arsenic, a metal of
special importance to the pharmacist.

Sodium pyroarsenate is a fixed, accurately weighable compound of
arsenic, therefore suitable for atomic weight determination. Prof.
Edgar F. Smith, of Philadelphia, has shown that it is readily and
completely converted into salt by gentle heating in a current of dry
muriatic acid gas.

Ten such determinations were made under Professor Smith's

498 American Pharmaceutical Association. {A™ctSber,Pi9oi.™'

direction, using up to about 3 grammes of the pyroarsenate. In
the last (tenth) determination, 3224-85 milligrammes of pyroarse-
nate yielded 2131-68 milligrammes of salt.
Accordingly, the analytical ratio is

Salt 2131-68

== 0-66102.

Pyroarsenate 3224-85

But the chemical formula of the pyroarsenate is Na407As; its
common atomic weight is, therefore, 354.

The chemical formula of salt is NaCl, and its common atomic
weight is 234.

These common atomic weights are our fixed standards, namely,
for carbon-diamond taken as 12 exactly, O = 16, Na 23, CI = 35*5,
and As = 75 exactly, without further decimals whatever.

Accordingly, our atomic ratio is

4NaCl 214

z = — zz = 0-66102.

Na407/\s 354

Since the analytical ratio agrees exactly with this our atomic ratio
to the fifth decimal place, it proves that As = 75 exactly in fact.

A simple calculation shows that if the atomic weight of As were
75-01, the atomic ratio would be 38 lower, that is, 0 66064.

Since none of the observed analytical ratios are that low, it is
thereby demonstrated that the true atomic weight of arsenic does
not depart even as much as 0 01 from the exact number 75.

The mean of all the ten determinations made shows a departure
of o-002 only from the number 75.

Accordingly the true or absolute atomic weight of arsenic is 75
exactly, and the experimental uncertainty is only 0-002 on the mean.

In the same manner the experimental determinations for all the
chemical elements have been examined in my work above specified.

In this way the fog that has for so many years rested over the
atomic weights of the chemical elements has been lifted, and the
use of false atomic weights seems to be no longer justifiable.

The Iodoform Reaction in Analysis.
By Lyman F. Kebler, B. S.

The iodoform reaction has within recent years played a consider-
able part in analytical work, and we are generally informed that
ethyl alcohol will not react with iodine in an alkaline solution to

Alo'ctoblr^9oaLm' 1" American Pharmaceutical Association. 499

form iodoform at the ordinary temperature. The writer, however,
has found that this observation is incorrect, this being brought to
his attention while examining a sample of grain alcohol, concerning
which there was some doubt relative to its purity. On applying the
usual iodoform reaction it is found to indicate the presence of some
iodoform producing substance ; but subsequent examinations fail
to prove that there was anything present excepting ethyl alcohol,
The same reaction was then applied to ordinary grain alcohol, and
to absolute alcohol, and the same reaction was developed with both.
In fact, the ethyl alcohol can be completely precipitated as iodoform
at the ordinary temperature, the precipitation, however, is slow, and
especially so in cooler weather.

The Chemical Composition of Calcium Lacto-Phosphate.
By Lyman F. Kebler.

Very little information exists in literature relative to this product.
It is described as a white, hard, shiny, scaly crystal, yet we are
sure that no one ever saw this article commercially in the above
form. It is generally supposed to consist of calcium lactate, lactic
acid and calcium phosphate ; an excess of lactic acid being always
present to render the product soluble. According to the writer's
experience the presence of the lactic acid does not account for the
solubility of the calcium lacto-phosphate. The reason why calcium
lacto-phosphate is soluble, is because that it is composed almost
entirely of soluble products — namely, calcium lactate, calcium acid
phosphate, lactic acid and a small amount of normal calcium phos-
phate. The latter is probably rendered soluble by the presence of
the calcium acid phosphate and a small quantity of lactic acid.
The analytical results are tabulated and the methods employed for
determining the same are included in the paper.

Cinnamon Oils and Cinnamic Aldehyde.
By Geo. R. Pancoast and Lyman F. Kebler.

The authors collected the various kinds of cinnamon oils in the
market and examined them as to purity as well as estimated the
per cent, of cinnamic aldehyde. From the results obtained, the
authors concluded that the various kinds of oils examined complied
very closely with the quality for which they were sold, and they
are of the opinion that this has largely been brought about by the

500 American Pharmaceutical Association. { A™'ctober,Ji9oirm'

method for estimating the percentage contents of cinnamic alde-
hyde.

The cinnamic aldehydes have always tested up well. There are
some reasons, however, for thinking that it is not as stable as the
oil itself.

Extract of Meat.
By Lyman F. Kebler.

The author gives in tabular form the results of a chemical and
physical examination of a number of samples of extract of meat.
These samples represent the best grades as well as the cheaper
article, and from the chemical analysis and other observations, it
would appear that the price and the quality are not always con-
sistent. In fact, in some cases there appear to vbe some points in
favor of the cheaper product. Some of the methods of analysis
were also touched upon and pointed out that they are not of very
great value in certain cases. For example, one of the points made
by a certain analysist is the amount of material soluble in 80 per
cent, alcohol. Now it so happens that common salt is soluble in
this strength of alcohol ; consequently, the larger the amount of
salt present, the greater the amount of extractive, which would
indicate, according to this method, that the extract of meat con-
taining the largest amount of extractive is best. The uselessness
of such a method is quite apparent.

Adulterated Drugs.
By Lyman F. Kebler.

This paper included the results of the examination of a large
number of cases of adulterated drugs met with in the course of the
writer's work.

The Histology and Development of the Fruit of Illicium

Floridanum.

By J. O. Schlotterbeck.

Specific Gravities and Co-Efficients of Expansion of
Volatile Oils.

By Oswald Schreiner and R. W. Downer.

A^c{ober,Pi9oi!m'} American Pharmaceutical Association. 501

The Influence of Synthetic Remedies on Various Urine Tests
and Fallacies They Often Cause.
By F. T. Gordon.

The Quinhydrones as Plant Pigments.
By Edward Kremers.

The Committee on the Revision of the United States Pharmaco-
poeia, through the Chairman, Leo Eliel, presented the following
report :

Ung. Hydrargyri Nitratis. — There is some complaint regarding the present
formula. The formula of 1870 (lard and neatsfoot oil) was satisfactory, and a
return to this formula is recommended.

The alkaloid of sanguinaria is used to a large extent, and should be made
official.

The direction to melt and soften aloes in the manufacture of compound ex-
tract of calocynth should be omitted.

The resin of jalap should be used in the manufacture of compound cathartic
pills, instead of the extract.

The strength of chlorinated lime should be reduced from 35 per cent, to 25
per cent.

Spirit of Ammonia. — By the official method of preparation none stronger
than 2 per cent, can be made in laboratory work. In order to make a 10 per
cent, preparation it is found necessary to pass ammonia gas into alcohol
several hours under pressure, the receiver being closed with a mercury safety
tube outlet.

Salicin should be defined as a glucoside (see Voswinkel's Work, Berl.
Dtschr. Ph. Ges., 1900, p. 31).

Aromatic Waters prepared with calcium phosphate precipitated do not keep
as well as those made by the cotton process. The hot water process is recom-
mended.

Mass of Mercury. — In making this the metal can be more quickly extin-
guished by using about three times the pharmacopoeial quantity of glycerin
mixed with honey of rose. The finished mass will be too soft, but can be
easily hardened by placing between folds of bibulous paper for a few hours.

Wax. — The resin test for wax should be changed to direct that the alkaline
solution be filtered through glass wool or asbestos (see A. J. P., 1900, p. 74).

We desire at this time to refer - to the suggestions previously made by this
committee, and to especially emphasize the following, deeming their charac-
ter to be such as to merit your most careful consideration at this time :

( 1) That granulated opium be used for the tincture and deodorized tincture of
opium, and the use of precipitated phosphate of calcium omitted.

(2) Deprive the seeds of colchicum and strophanthus of their oils before the
preparation of the tincture.

(3) Adoption of the formula given in the report of this committee, 1895, for
sapo mollis.

502 American Pharmaceutical Association. {A™c{°ber590Lm"

(4) Standardization of essential oils as suggested, 1896.

(5) Change standard of linum, sinapis alba, and sinapis nigra, for reasons
given in report, 1896.

(6) Tincture nux vomica. Returning to formula of 1880, retaining the
standard strength as in the 1890 edition.

(7) Standardization of podophyllum, prunus virginiana, sanguinaria, sarsa-
parilla, quillaja, senega, strophanthus, 1897.

(8) The report of 1898, paragraphs 1 to 13 inclusive, are especially referred
to the Committee on Revision for their consideration.

(9) The same report, referring to the report of 1896, on which no action was
taken, viz.: To dismiss all tinctures having a fluid extract of the same drug
official, and all fluid extracts having a tincture of the same drug official, and
substitute for such tinctures and fluid extracts a 50 per cent, tincture under dis-
tinctive title.

( ro) Paragraphs 16 and 17 of the same report, referring to spirit nitrous
ether and crude carbolic acid.

(11) Report of 1899, paragraph 1, referring to present formula for cold
cream.

The officers of the section for the ensuing year are: Chairman,
Lyman F. Kebler and Secretary, Joseph W. England. Mr. Hall-
berg moved that the officers of the section consider the feasibility
of either forming a standing committee or having a reporter on
drug adulteration and drug market.

COMMERCIAL SECTION.
The Commercial Section held one session on Tuesday afternoon.
The Chairman, Charles A. Rapelye, delivered the annual address
in which he pointed out that this section was originally " planned
to handle as best it might the ever present question of cut prices,
or at least to restrict the consideration of that question to its proper
time and place in the work of the Association. It has by the forma-
tion of the N.A.R.D. had that question taken out of its hands,
leaving the section more time to consider the mercantile interests
of pharmacy which are now forcing themselves upon our attention
to a much greater degree than could have been foreseen at the
birth of this section." He further stated that " no one will attempt
to deny that great progress has been made in professional phar-
macy and it has not been accomplished without constant study and
application, and our treatment of the commercial problems that
surround us must be upon the same lines. We must not expect
that the vexed questions of the trade will solve themselves ; but, if
overcome, it must be by untiring application to the devising of ways

A™'ctober.Il90Lm■ } American Pharmaceutical Association. 503

and means for their extermination, and, if we will apply ourselves to
the task, success will eventually attend our efforts. So much has
been said and written concerning the adverse circumstances sur-
rounding our business that many have come to believe that no
remedy will ever be found to alleviate present conditions, but per-
sistent and well directed effort will overcome almost any difficulties.
What is needed is patient and united effort against our common
foe."

Thomas N. Wooten, Secretary of the N.A.R.D., made an address
in which he called attention to the need of closer association with
physicians and surgeons and the development ot the professional as
well as commercial side of pharmacy.

F. VV. E. Stedem exhibited samples of circulars and other papers
which have been actually used as advertising mediums during the
past year by pharmacists in various parts of this country. He
strongly recommended the continual distribution of samples with
circulars reminding prospective buyers of the advantages offered.

J. H. Beal read a paper on the " Control of Prices " and showed
contrary to his expectations that the Worcester plan is the best
plan yet devised and cited numerous instances showing that it was
legal.

William Mittlebach read a paper on " Containers," in which he
called attention to the excessive charges not unfrequently made for
containers, and a resolution was passed by the section bringing the
matter to the attention of the N.W.D.A. for their consideration.

Louis Emanuel read a paper on "The Profitable Side of Phar-
macy " and Frank R. Partridge presented one on " Some Commer-
cial Aspects of Pharmacy." The following officers were elected for
the ensuing year : Chairman, F. W. Meissner ; Secretary, E. G.
Eberle ; Associates, F. B. Lillie, Charles L. Meyer and Wm. Mit-
tlebach.

SECTION ON PRACTICAL; PHARMACY AND DISPENSING.

This new section which has recently been organized held two in-
teresting sessions, the first being held on Thursday morning when
Henry P. Hynson, the chairman, read an address in which he called
the attention of the members to the importance of the work of the
section and the substantial aid it has received through Dr. Enno
Sander in offering a cash prize of $50 for the most worthy paper

504 American Pharmaceutical Association. {^cfX^lm™*

presented to this section. In a supplemental report on " Laboratory
Possibilities " the chairman said :

Advanced medicine requires and stimulates advanced pharmacy.

There may be some question as to the justice or the advisability of the phar-
macist undertaking the examination of pathological specimens — whether or
not it is within the legitimate scope of his operations to assist in making diag-
noses ; but there can be no possible objection to him supplying the means for
executing the processes b}T which conclusions are reached. Chemical apparatus,
microscopes and microscopical accessories are profitable and creditable stock
for the sales department, while the preparations of reagents, volumetric solu-
tions, test solutions, microscopic stains, etc., can be prepared in his laboratory
with perfect consistency and profitable satisfaction.

Physiological chemistry compasses nearly all the chemical operations of the
pl^sician and, besides the reagents purchased of the larger manufacturing
chemist— for the quality and strength of which the pharmacist must be respon-
sible— there are not a great many to be made by him, yet these should help
to keep his laborator}T busy.

Fehling's solution should, no doubt, be supplied in two parts, unless expressly
ordered completed. The containers for these solutions and all other reagents
should be glass stoppered bottles, as these add so materially to the appearance
of an outfit.

Purdy's solution, at one time very popular, is occasionally called for and
much of Geunzberg's test for acid hydrochloric is used, as are the solutions for
the diazo reactions and the principal indicators.

Although no great variety of volumetric solutions are called for, quite a
quantity of deci-normal sodium hydrate solution is sold and, while these solu-
tions require time and care for adjustment, experience in this, as in everything
else, gives facility. A standard must, of course, be at hand, and carefully re-
crystallized acid oxalic, the first time from alcohol, seems the most satisfactory.
These solutions should be verified if more than a few days old.

Volumetric analysis is far less intricate than the uninitiated imagine and can
be accomplished with fair accuracy by the average pharmacist after a moder-
ate amount of practice. Ability to use this method of estimating opens up
many interesting and profitable avenues to the retailer.

The microscope is so generally used in medicine to-day, that it is almost as
necessary to be able to supply physicians stains and accessories as it is to fill
prescriptions. The variety of stains is not large for ordinary demands, and
not more than six or eight need be kept made up. Gabbett's stains, carbol
fuchsin and methylene blue, Erlich's triacid stain, Jenner's gentian violet,
hsematoxylin-alum and Toison's dilution solution are among the more promi-
nent. Success in their preparation depends largely upon the quality of the dry
colors used. Ordinary commercial anilin will not answer. Gruebler's are the
best to be had and, although comparative!}- expensive, can be used and still
a good profit secured. Formulas for all these stains, reagents and solutions
maybe found in almost any modern work on pathology; "Simon's Clinical
Diagnosis' ' is the best we have ever seen and Von Kahlden is good. Some of the
processes for making them seem odd and unpharmaceutical and may, in many
instanecs, be modified to advantage. Ehrlich's triacid blood stain is, perhaps,

A^'ctober,Pi90Lm'} American Pharmaceutical Association. 505

the most difficult to prepare ; the prescribed manipulation can be simplified by
an accomplished pharmacist. Jenner's is simple but tedious in preparation and
is becoming very popular for blood examinations.

In addition to products used in chemical and microscopical examinations
others, just a little out of the ordinary, may be supplied. Physiologically
normal salt solution may be kept on hand, sterilized in 500 c.c. and 1 litre
Florence flasks, respectively. Salt tablets for making this solution are also
popular. Thompson's bladder irrigating fluid and Muller's preserving liquid
are sold in large quantities. LoefLer's solution, used in diphtheria, is easily
made and keeps well. Solution of adrenals, properly preserved, is in great
demand. Mucilaginous lubricants for surgeons are a late requisite ; Iceland
moss with glycerine, is most largely used, dispensed in collapsible tubes. These
lubricants must be sterile and antiseptic. Green soap, in tubes, should also be
sterile. Before filling these, the screw of cap and neck should be coated with
petrolatum and great care used to keep an}- of the soap off of the outside of
tube ; the reason for this is, no doubt, obvious.

Nebulizing solutions or liquids are more and more used and should be pre-
pared by every active pharmacist. Formulas can be easily had from the manu-
facturers of the nebulizers and good judgment and pharmaceutic skill only
are necessary to win success in their preparation.

Ability and facility in making chemical analyses and determinations are of
immense advantage to the retail pharmacist doing a sufficiently large business.
It is a telling advertisement to be able to examine and report upon a questioned
tablet, capsulated powder or suspected solution. It is often a protection to
one's self to be able to prove that doubts regarding a prescription are un-
founded. Very recent instances are remembered of being compelled to examine
bismuth and sugar powders, sulfonal capsules, solution of homatropine hydro-
bromate, tablets of cocaine hydrochloride, tablets of iron, arsenic and strych-
nine. It is also often a protection in business competition. When one proves
to a customer that a competitor is supplying tincture of ferric chloride con-
taining but 50 per cent, of alcohol, or tincture of iodine made of wood alcohol
and containing but 3 per cent, of iodine, he is doing a good deal to help his
business interests. Quite profitable is it when a pharmacist can go in the open
market and buy chemicals and assayable products at 25 per cent, to 50 per
cent, below the price of standard brands, prove their purity and worth, mak-
ing, all the while, a reputation for himself and establishing a brand of his own.

These are a few of the possibilities of the pharmaceutic laboratory which I
believe are not generally practiced and to which may be added many more by
others with larger experience.

All this, taken in connection with the decline in specification, offers a large
field for laboratory operations ; enough, in an establishment doing an average
business, to keep one person profitably employed during regular business
hours.

In a second supplemental report, Mr. Hynson presented a collec-
tion of " Dispensing Notes " which embody the results of everyday
experience in the drug store.

William F. Kaemmerer presented a paper which aroused a pro-

506 American Pharmaceutical Association. {A™'ciober,Pi9oirm'

longed discussion on " Increasing the Prescription Work." The
author stated that he has prepared a line of galenicals and with these
and a number of selected drugs he calls upon the physicians and
makes them aware of his facilities and ability to compound prescrip-
tions and do professional pharmaceutical work. William C. Ander-
son pointed out that this paper indicated the advantage of the
individual retail pharmacist in approaching the physician. J N.
Hurty stated that it was science that exalts pharmacy, and the people
as well as physicians should appreciate that you cannot get such
perfect medicines as from pharmacists. J. L. Lemberger commended
the plan in larger towns but said that in smaller towns where the
physicians were personally known to the pharmacist it was not
so practicable.

Henry F. Hassebrook read a paper on " Elixir Potassii Bromidi,
N.F.," in which he advised the return to the use of elixir adjuvans,
N.F., instead of the aromatic elixir of the U.S.P. This gave rise to
a discussion on the subject of changes in the formulae in the National
Formulary. F. S. Hereth said that nothing will hurt the use of a
good preparation so much as changing the formula and that care
should be exercised in making changes unless essential. Caswell
A. Mayo finally moved that the Committee on N.F. be requested to
make no changes in colors or flavors of the preparations contained
therein.

E. A. Sennewald read a paper on " Keeping Records of Prescrip-
tions " and F. W. E. Stedem read a paper in which he called atten-
tion to some of the " Side Lines " that might engage the attention
of the pharmacist.

Joseph W. England gave an " Improved Formula for Aromatic
Spirit of Ammonia," as follows :

Ammonium carbonate (in translucent pieces), 500 grains ; ammonia water,
2 fl. oz and 7 fl. dr. ; oil of lemon, 2% A. dr. ; oil of lavender flower, 15 min. ;
oil of nutmeg; 15 min. ; oil of peppermint, 45 min. ; alcohol, i}4 pints ; water,
q. s. to make 2 pints, To the ammonia water add 4^ fl. oz. of distilled water
and in this mixture dissolve the ammonium carbonate reduced to a moderately
fine powder. To the alcohol add the oils, then gradually the solution of am-
monium carbonate. Allow the liquid to stand 24 hours in a cool place ; filter,
using a well covered funnel ; keep the product in glass stoppered bottles in a
cool place.

To this spirit oil of peppermint may be added and employed to replace
" soda-mint." It may also be added to the effervescing draught of a " seidlitz
powder."

A™ ctober,^9w!m' } American Pharmaceutical Association. 507

Henry P. Hynson made " A Compilation of Threescore and More
Prescriptions" that were presented a year ago, and these with the
notes of the contributors formed the basis of an interesting dis-
cussion.

C. Lewis Diehl, chairman of the Committee on National Formu-
lary, presented his annual report to this section which was discussed
at considerable length and a special vote of thanks was tendered
him.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : Chair-
man, F. W. E. Stedem ; Secretary, William F. Kaemmerer ; Associate,
George VV. Sloan.

SECTION ON PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION AND LEGISLATION.

The chairman, C. B. Lowe, in his annual address called attention
to the era of good feeling which seems to prevail among pharma-
cists generally and to the improved trade conditions, both of which
he considered to be the result of organization. He regretted that
the appointment of the members of State Pharmaceutical Examining
Boards is so much a matter of politics and thought that the State
associations might do much toward creating a sentiment which
would influence these appointments for the better. A recommenda-
tion made by the chairman was to the effect that a committee be
appointed by the Association to consider the question of rescinding
the right to obtain product patents to be sold under registered
names, this committee to be invested with the power to procure the
services of eminent patent lawyers in forming the draft of a bill to
be presented to the Association at its next annual meeting and, if
approved by the association, to be finally introduced into Congress.

The secretary of the section, J. A. Koch, presented a report giving
statistics concerning the pharmacists of the United States and also
showing the number of registered pharmacists in this country to be
approximately 85,849.

J. H. Beal gave a summary of the pharmaceutical legislation in-
troduced or enacted during the last year.

Oscar Oldberg introduced a resolution requesting Boards of Phar-
macy to require from each candidate for examination a statement
concerning his preliminary education. The resolution carried and
the secretary was instructed to send it to the various boards of
pharmacy.

508 American Pharmaceutical Association. {A^c'tober.Ii9oai!m"

A paper on "A New Economic Order in Pharmacy" was read by
Harry B. Mason. Having first treated of the historic evolution of
industry the author said that " the final goal towards which industry
has been moving throughout all the centuries is an era of co-operation
and combination of effort. ... In the field of production we
already have in the trust a long stride towards the final goal, while
in the field of distribution the rapid growth and success of the de-
partment store proves the inevitable tendency."

While individualism is a more dominant tactor in the professions,
the author is nevertheless of the opinion that the co-operative move-
ment has already reached them, and a number of examples illus-
trating this tendency in law, medicine, and dentistry were given.
That this tendency has reached pharmacy is shown by the "company
pharmacy" in England and Scotland and to a certain extent in
several of our larger cities in this country by the corporations own-
ing a number of stores.

In conclusion the author took a hopeful view of this tendency in
pharmacy. He pointed out the economic advantages which would
probably arise in this country from a system of co-operation, and
said that while the professional status of the calling might be tem-
porarily lowered, the day of the trained pharmaceutical specialist
would finally make its arrival.

A paper entitled " On Teaching Microscopy, Botany, Physi-
ology, Pharmacodynamics and Urine Analysis in Colleges of
Pharmacy " was presented by Albert Schneider. Having empha-
sized the importance of the study of microscopy, micro-tech-
nique and botany, the author gave as his opinion that the course
in physiology should be more thorough than the average high-
school course and that as this course is simply a preparation
for the course in pharmacodynamics, special attention should be
given to the functional activities of organs in order that the physi-
ological action of drugs may be understood. The course in general
pharmacodynamics should follow, but therapeutics should be almost
entirely omitted as it belongs more especially to the domain of the
physician. The author also said that the subject of urine analysis
has no bearing upon pharmacy whatever, it being distinctly medical
in character, and that therefore the course in this branch, if given
at all, should embrace the usually recognized chemical tests for
normal and abnormal urine.

ADo*c'tober,1i9oi!m'} American Pharmaceutical Association. 509

A. B. Stevens made some remarks on the subject of prescriptions
which were in part as follows : " For several years I have used original
prescriptions of physicians for the teaching of prescription reading
and compounding. While this method has its advantages it also
has its disadvantages. Its principal advantage lies in the actual drill
which familiarizes the student with different handwritings. Its dis-
advantages lie in being unable to call the attention of the whole
class to any peculiarities in writing, abbreviation or incompatibilities,
or to point out difficulties in compounding. This disadvantage is
best overcome by the aid of the stereopticon. Facsimiles of pre-
scriptions may be easily made upon glass by covering the glass with a
very thin film of old turpentine, or a little resin dissolved in turpentine-
This is best accomplished by placing a drop of the turpentine on the
glass and rubbing it over the surface with a piece of flannel. The
film must be very thin else the ink will not flow freely from the pen.
Place the glass thus prepared over the prescription to be copied and
trace with India ink. Recently I have preferred to use celluloid in
place of glass. It is more convenient and being thinner than glass
a more perfect tracing can be made. The celluloid may be obtained
in strips several feet in length and the prescriptions copied in the
same manner as upon glass. Spirit of camphor may be used in
place of the oil of turpentine. The strips of celluloid may be
placed on rollers similar to those used in photographic cameras.
For the study of incompatibilities I have copied upon celluloid, by
means of a typewriter, the prescriptions given in Ruddiman's In-
compatibilities. Then a certain number of prescriptions may be
assigned to the class for a lesson. During the recitation the pre-
scriptions are thrown upon the screen and members of the class
are called upon to read the prescription, explain the incompati-
bilities, if any, also explain the method if compounded. Later
the class is required to explain prescriptions not given in the text-
book."

A paper on " The Liquor Laws of the States and Provinces as
They Apply to Pharmacists" was read by C. B. Lowe.

The following were the officers of the section elected for the
ensuing year : Chairman, E. G. Eberle, of Texas ; Secretary, j. W.
T. Knox, of Michigan. W. C. Anderson, of Brooklyn ; Harry B.
Mason, of Detroit, and Caswell A. Mayo, of New York City, were
elected associate members of this Committee.

Pharmaceutical A ssociations.

J Am. Jour. Pharm
C October, 1901.

At the final general session of the Association the reports of
various standing committees were read. J. U. Lloyd presented two
papers, one being on the " Versatility of Dr. Charles Rice " and the
other on " A Ginseng Garden." In the latter paper the author de-
scribes the ginseng garden of S. Long, of Union, Boone County,
Ky. The experience of Mr. Long as recorded in his own words
will be of particular interest to those concerned in drug cultivation:

<fI secured first about 300 plants from the woods where ginseng naturally
grows in this section of the country. These plants were taken up with great
care, plenty of dirt being left on the roots. They were carried in the cool of
the day from their native location to the garden I had prepared. The earth was
such as I would have used for the purpose of raising onions, a rich loamy soil.
These plants were set about 6 inches apart, the rows being about 6 inches from
each other. 1 did not notice in any instance that the transplanting disturbed
the early plants in the least. From these 300 plants I collected the first year
about 3, coo seed. That fall when the seeds had ripened I collected from the
woods about 6oo more plants, which I planted in the same manner as I had
done the 300 plants, making a total of 900 roots. The following spring out of
the 900 roots, 800 came up making a good crop of seed. To this I will add that
of the plants set out in the fall there was a greater proportion lost than of the
plants that were set out in the growing season. The seeds that ripened in July,
if planted at once, will come up the next spring ; those that ripened later do
not come up until the second spring. I cannot give the proportion of loss in
sprouting. The first year's plant is a little three-leaved spindle, and the growth
is very slow. As is well known, the scars left by cast-off stalks give the age of
the root. I have plants in my garden that are at least twenty years of age. I
am cultivating ginseng both for the root and the seed, the seed at this time
being very costly, although the root only has any commercial value except for
planting. I am enlarging my gardens as rapidly as possible and use all the seed
that is produced, at present having none to distribute."

ARKANSAS ASSOCIATION OF PHARMACISTS.

The nineteenth annual meeting was held May 2 1st at Little Rock.
The President, E. F. Klein, delivered an address directed principally
to the beneficent influences of associations.

John B. Bond, Sr., reported for the Committee on Legislation
that it had been found inexpedient to introduce before the late ses-
sion of the Legislature the legislation recommended by the Asso-
ciation at its eighteenth annual meeting (viz., the repeal of Section
4,993 and the substitution of a small annual fee for registration ;
also requiring all candidates for registration, whether graduates or
not, to pass an examination before the Board of Pharmacy). The

A. lxi. Jour. Pharm. \
October, 1901. /

PJiarmaceutical A ssociations*

5ii

reason why no attempt was made, says the report, was that the
Committee on Legislation early discovered that certain members
had come to the capital cocked and primed with legislation inimical
to pharmacy, as well as against the best interests of the people,
which they had determined to force through. Among the many
fool things that were proposed by the legislators referred to, was a
clause tacked onto a medical practice bill, imposing a fine of $100 on
any pharmacist or druggist who recommended a medicine, whether
proprietary or not. The committee centered its work on the defeat
of the clause and effected it. Unfortunately, however, the medical
practice bill, which was shorn of this obnoxious paragraph, a good
and wise act, was also defeated. The report gave strong praise and
commendation to the Senate of Arkansas for its liberal and benefi-
cent treatment of pharmacy. The report was received and accepted.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing year :
President, William R. Appleton ; Vice-Presidents, J. H. Carna-
han and J. H. Chestnutt ; Secretary, L. K. Snodgrass, Little Rock ;
Treasurer, J. A. Junkind ; Executive Committee, J. F. Dowdy, J. B.
Bond, Jr., C. K. Lincoln.

COLORADO PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.

The twelfth annual meeting was held at Manitou, June 19th. The
President, C. D. Barnes, in his address, deplored the passage of the
recent law compelling druggists to pay a State liquor tax of $25.

The following officers were elected to serve during the ensuing
year :

President, W. L. Shockley ; Vice-Presidents, D. Y. Wheeler, F. F.
Whiting ; Secretary, Charles E. Ward ; Local Secretary, H. F.
McCrea.

The place of the next meeting will be Denver, and the time will
be next June.

CONNECTICUT PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.

The twenty-fifth annual meeting was held at Branford, June
U-I2. Numerous reports were read.

J K. Williams reported that during the past year no change had
been made in the laws affecting pharmacists ; no legislation pre-
judicial to their profession had been passed. The interests of the

5 12 Pharmaceutical Associations. {A October ^9oaLm'

pharmacists of the State had been carefully considered. Many bills
were presented which might have caused trouble, but all had been
adversely reported and had been rejected.

M. P. Gould, of New York, read a paper on "The Business Side
of Pharmacy," which was followed by a spirited discussion, in which
a number of members and visiting delegates expressed their
opinions regarding various questions.

The officers elected for the ensuing year were : President, Charles
Fleischner ; Vice-Presidents, Thomas R. Shannon and A. C. Dickin-
son ; Secretary, Charles A. Rapelye, of Hartford ; Treasurer, John-
B. Ebbs. Seventy-three new members were elected.^

DELAWARE PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY.

The fifteenth annual meeting was held on June 6th at Delaware
City. One of the most valuable features of the meeting was an
address on Pure Foods and Drugs by Professor Robin, Bacteriolo-
gist of the State Board of Health. This paper will be printed
later. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year :

President, J. T. Challenger ; Vice-Presidents, W. C. Taylor,
Henry McDaniel and T. F. Hammersley ; Treasurer, Oscar C. Dra-
per ; Secretary, F. W. Fenn, Wilmington ; Executive Committee,
N. B. Danforth, Albert Dougherty and T. Harry Cappeau.

GEORGIA PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.1

The twenty-fifth annual meeting was held at Atlanta, May 2 1st.
The President, M. H. Taylor, delivered an address devoted to a
resume of the work accomplished by the Association during the
year.

A number ot papers were read, among them the following:
" How to Advertise the Retail Drug Business," by J. C. Kidd, Mil-
ledgeville; "On the Manufacture of Pharmaceuticals by Retail
Druggists," by J. C. Persee, Atlanta; "Hydrophobia: Its Treat-
ment, Prevalence and Prevention," by Dr. H. R. Slack, and "Turpen-
tine," by Dr. George Payne.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : Presi-
dent, W. S. Elkin, Jr. ; Vice-Presidents, J. H. Polhil, Charles D. Jor-

1 Nat. Drug.) p. 194.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
October, 1901.

Pharmaceutical Associations.

dan, J. E. Kidd ; Secretary, C. T. King, Macon ; Treasurer, J. T,
Shuptrine. Brunswick was chosen as the next place of meeting,
the time being May, the day to be set by the Executive Committee.

INDIANA PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.1

The twentieth annual meeting was held June 5-7, at Muncie.
The President, F. W. Meissner, in his address announced that an old
standing indebtedness of the Association, amounting to some
$1,200, had been paid during the year.

The following papers were read :

"Preventive Medication for some Drug Troubles." By B. Stahlhuth.
" Duty." By W. O. Gross.
"Emergencies." By J. N. Roe.

"The Indianapolis Association of Retail Druggists." By I. N. Heims.
"Pharmaceutical Education." By G. D. Timmons.
"Local Associations." By I. N. Heims.
"Elixirs." By J. H. Andrews.

" The Different Iron Preparations." By J. W. Stunner.
"The London Crude Drug Market." By M. Little.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:
President, C. O. Prutzman ; Vice-Presidents, E. W. Swadley,
John Gifford, Alexander Ruh ; Secretary, A. Timberlake, Indian-
apolis ; Executive Committee, F. E. Wolcott, Otto Gross, F. L.
Burton.

Anderson was chosen as the next place of meeting, C. A. Hen-
derson, of that place, being chosen Local Secretary. Fifty appli-
cants for membership were elected and put upon the roll, which
now numbers about 750 in good standing.

INDIAN TERRITORY PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIA-
TION.2

The seventh annual meeting was held at South McAlester, May
2 1 st. Thirty-nine new members were elected.

L. Matthews, Miami, read a paper on the " Relations of Clerk and
Employer." Mr. White, chairman, read the report of the Committee
on Legislation. The report was one of progress, and an appeal was

lNat. Drug., p. 235.
11 Nat. Drug., p. 195.

514

Pharmaceutical Associations.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
I October, 1901.

made to the members to assist the committee with suggestions, and
to aid it in its efforts to get the law pending before Congress (which
the committee thought had a good chance to become a law), passed,
either by personal solicitation of Congressmen or otherwise. The
committee promised to secure the endorsement of the judges and
officials of the Territory, and of the other associations to the bill
now pending.

The Secretary was instructed to ascertain the requirements for
membership in the National Association of Retail Druggists, also
of the A. Ph. A., with the view of sending delegations to the next

annual meetings of these associations.

The following officers were elected for the ensui'ng year : Presi-
dent, L. Matthews; Vice-Presidents, H. F. Hancock, F. C. Savage,
A. R. Breeding ; Secretary and Treasurer, H. D. Knisely.

Checotah was selected as next place of meeting, May 21-23 being
the time.

IOWA PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.

The twenty-second annual meeting was held in Storm Lake, July
9-1 1. The President, E. V. Baldwin, delivered an address devoted
to a resume of the important events of the year, and made a number
of suggestions toward the betterment of pharmacy in that State.
The report of the Secretary, F. Howard, showed the Association to
be of increasing interest to the pharmacists of Iowa. The Treas-
urer, J. B. Webb, reported a balance in the treasury. The following
papers were read :

" Is the Modern Prescription Tending Towards the Mere Specification of
Proprietaries?" By J. H. Mallard and A. H. Miles in separate communica-
tions.

"The Sale of Poisons.' By Carrie Wood.

" How Can a Druggist's Wife Best Promote Her Husband's Business Inter-
est?" Mrs. W. G. Beale, Mrs. F. Howard and Miss Lois Stevens in separate
communications.

The following officers were selected for the ensuing year : Presi-
dent, E. B. Tainter; Vice-Presidents, Frank Shane, Howard S.
Baker and E. M. Fuuk; Treasurer, Jno. B. Webb; Secretary,
Fletcher Howard, of Des Moines ; Executive Committee, F. J.
Gressler, A. A. Broadie, and A. H. Miles.

It was decided to hold the next meeting at Sioux City.

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
October, 1901. J

Pharmaceutical A ssociations.

515

KANSAS PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.1

The twenty-second annual meeting was held at Tope ka, May 21
-23. The President, H. W. Mehl, in his address, complimented
the State Legislature upon its liberality in appropriating $55,000
for a new chemical laboratory and building at the the State Uni-
versity at Lawrence.

H. L. Raymond presented the report of the Committee on the
School of Pharmacy at the State University, in which he stated that
the condition of the students, buildings, apparatus, etc., were in a
greatly improved condition. The attendance was much increased
and highly encouraging. The liberality of the Legislature was fit-
tingly acknowledged, but attention was called to the unfinished
condition of some of the new departments, and aid was asked for funds
to complete them. The extension of the course from two to three
years was recommended, and it was thought that all interests would
be better conserved if this were done. The report was signed by
the full committee. Professor Sayre, as a supplement to the report,
called attention to the vast number of new remedies introduced
during the last two years, and presented an analysis of the thera-
peutical character of the list (embracing in all 170 remedies).

The Committee on Legislation directed attention to the law
enacted at the last session of the Legislature prohibiting the sale ot
morphine, cocaine and chloral-hydrate, except on the prescription
of authorized physicians. The committee recommends to every
druggist that the poison register be kept close at hand and that
every sale of poison be scrupulously entered therein at the time of
such sale.

W. E. Sheriff, Secretary of the Kansas Board ot Pharmacy, pre.
sented his report of the transactions of the Board from June 7, 1900,
to May 20, 1901. It announces the completion of the indexing of
the names of the registered pharmacists and registered assistants,
and the purchase of a case for keeping the records. A record is
being kept of those (non-pharmacists) to whom licenses for sale of
domestic remedies are issued. The examination of 108 drug stores,
made by H. W. Mehl, shows that of the proprietors, eighty are
registered. Of the remainder, eleven are conducted by registered
managers and twenty-six registered clerks. Mr. Mehl found seventy-
nine poison registers. Examination reports showed 117 general mer-

1 Nat. Drug., p. 194.

5i6

Pharmaceutical Associations,

/Am. Jour. Pbarm.
\ October, 1901.

chants handling domestic remedies, only a few of whom had licenses.
There have, however, been 131 licenses issued. Finally, the report
states that there are in the state 1,451 pharmacists registered and
in good standing and sixty-two registered assistants.

The following is the result of the election of officers : President,
F. A. Snow ; Vice-Presidents, J. W. Cookson, M. S. Ingalls ; Secre-
tary, E. E, Lair, Topeka ; Treasurer, G. Gehring ; Librarian, L. E.
Sayre; Local Secretary, Walter Henri.

The Executive Committee, W. S. Amos, E. C. Tritsche, George
Seitz, A. O. Rosser and J. R. Fay.

MAINE PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.1

The thirty-fourth annual meeting was held at Portland.

President H. Boynton, of Biddeford, was unable to be present on
account of illness, and his address was not read. The report of the
Secretary, M. L. Porter, showed an active membership of 281. Fif-
teen new members were elected at this meeting. The report of the
Treasurer, W. J. Drew, showed the finances of the Association to be
in good condition. Percy L. Lord, President of the Maine Com-
mission of Pharmacy, reported that the board had examined ninety-
one applicants for registration during the year.

The following papers were presented :

" A Brief History of Cinchona." By J. F. Sanford.

" Our Customers ; How Shall We Treat Them so as to Increase their Num-
ber?" A. G. Gilmore.

" Cinchona : History, Methods of Cultivation and Collection, Products and
Alkaloids." B. T. Bowers, Lewiston.

The following officers were elected : President, F. R. Partridge ;
Vice-Presidents, D. P. Moulton, F. T. Crane, G. W. Wiley , Secre-
tary, M. L. Porter, Danforth ; Treasurer, W. A. Drew; Executive
Committee, five officers with George W. Dorr and S. F. Clark.

MINNESOTA PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.2

The seventeenth annual meeting was held June 18-20, at Lake
Minnetonka. The President, B. O. Kyseth, delivered an address

1 New England Drug., p. 503 ; Ph. Era, p. 117.
2 Pharm. Era., p. 27.

Am. Jour. Pharm.)
October, 1901. J

Pharmaceutical Associations.

517

devoted to the interests of the pharmacists of the State. The
Secretary, E. B. Wilson, reported thirty-two applications for mem-
bership. The Treasurer, H. W. Rietzke, showed the finances of the
Association to be in good condition.

" Trade Interests " was the subject of a paper by A. W. Eckstein.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year :

President, Stewart Gamble ; Vice-Presidents, Charles Weschker,
Miss Anna C. Umland and M. D. Fallman ; Secretary, E. B. Wilson,
Minneapolis ; Treasurer, H. W. Rietzke ; Executive Committee,
John F. Danek; A. T. Hall and J. H. Marshall.

The next meeting will be held at Lake Minnetonka, in June, 1902.

OKLAHOMA PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.1

The annual meeting was held in May in Oklahoma City. The
following papers were read :

"Should Purity be the Prime Consideration." By C. A. Dow.
" Knights of the Grip." By Nels Darling.

'^Profits to be Derived from Window Dressing." By D. A. Boland.

" Women in Pharmacy." By Miss Minnie Wood.

" Tablet Triturates." By Wm. McCutcheon.

<( Social Duties of the Pharmacist." By F. A. Wheeler.

"Soda Fountain." By J. A. Hill.

" The Pharmacist and the Physician." By John Wand.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Presi-
dent, Fred Reed ; Vice-Presidents, J. C. Burton, J. C. Hynds ; Secre-
tary, Frank Weaver, of Oklahoma City ; Assistant Secretary, W. B.
Wheeler, of Guthrie; Treasurer, J. M. Remington; Local Secretary,
J. A. Hill.

The next meeting of the Association will be held at Enid.

SOUTH CAROLINA PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.

The twenty-fifth annual meeting was held at Charleston, S. C,
May 22 and 23, 1901. O. Y. Owings, the president, called attention
to the matters of legislation and the pure food and drug law. Th^
report of the Secretary and Treasurer, Frank M. Smith, showed a
total membership of 104 as against 93 last year. The dues have
been reduced from $3.00 to $1.00, but nevertheless have only been

1 Western Druggist, p. 329.

5 18

Pharmaceutical A ssocia tions.

( Am. Jour. Pharm.
L October, 1901.

paid by some of the members. E. S. Burnham, Chairman of the
Examining Board, reported that six applicants had passed the
Board and that twenty-three had received licenses on their having
diplomas.

The meeting was concluded with a banquet in which toasts were
responded to by E. F. Parker, E. S. Burnham, A. Memmin, J. E.
Burke and C. W. Kollock.

The following officers were elected for 1901-1902 : President, O.
Y. Owings; First Vice-President, J. A. Barbot ; Second Vice-Presi-
dent, D. F. Frierson ; Secretary and Treasurer, Frank M. Smith.
The semi-annual meeting will be held in Columbia.

TENNESSEE PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.1

The sixteenth annual meeting of the Tennessee Druggists' Asso-
ciation was held at Monteagle July I7-I9th. A paper on " What
Pharmaceuticals is it Profitable for the Pharmacist to Make ? " was
read by A. B. Rains, of Columbia. B. H. Owen read a paper on
" What are the Best Methods of Advertising ? " He said that more
than half the money spent in advertising is wasted on account of
injudicious methods.

At the second day's session two honorary members were enrolled,
Rev. W. D. Powell, of West Tennessee, and Daniel Champion, of
Alabama. A number of papers were read, and the following officers
were elected :

President, H. WT. McDonald; Vice-Presidents: J. C. Treherne, J.
D. Kuhn and J. J. Ingle ; Secretary, W. R. Vickers ; Treasurer, J.
C. Ammons. Bon Aqua Springs was selected as the place for the
next annual meeting.

TEXAS PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.2

The twenty-second annual meeting was held in Sherman, Texas,
May 14 16, 1901. The address of the President, James L. Hazlett,
was devoted in particular to the consideration of the pharmacy law,
and it was recommended that a committee be appointed to draft a
suitable and satisfactory law. This was heartily endorsed by the

1 Amer. Drug, p. 94.

2 Texas Druggist, August, 1901.

Am. Jour. Pharm. )
October, 1901. J

Pharmaceutical Associations.

519

Committee on President's Address. The report of the Secretary
and Treasurer, R. H. Walker, showed the finances and membership
of the Association to be in a healthy condition.
The following papers were read :

"Labelling, Dispensing and Delivery of Prescriptions." J. Pfeiffer gave a
number of suggestions from his own experience.

" Miscellaneous Notes." W. R. Neville gave a number of practical hints on
compounding prescriptions. An English physician who prescribes glycerite of
lead frequently gave this as the formula :

Iviq. Plumbi subacet. 1 dr.; glycerine, 2 drs.; lanoline, 4 drs. This was used
in proportion, 1 dr. to vaseline 2 drs.

" Quality of Market Drugs." T. R. Keene gave the following results of the
examination of a few drugs : Alcohol, twenty -two samples were examined,
but three came within pharmacopoeial requirements. Asafetida, out of thirteen
specimens investigated, not one contained more than 42 per cent, of alcohol
soluble matter ; some of the highest priced gums were of the worst quality.
Castor oil — twelve samples were examined, but one was adulterated (with
approximately 50 per cent, cotton-seed oil).

Cream of Tartar — Four specimens from drug stores, and seven from the
groceries were examined. Those coming from the drug stores were all up to
standard, in every respect, but those from the groceries, were badly adulte-
rated ; two of them contained only 40 per cent, of cream of tartar and none
of them over 80 per cent. The principal article used for cheapening purposes
was starch. Glycerine — Five samples were examined ; all were fairly good.
Calomel — Nine different lots of calomel were investigated ; all were satisfac-
tory. Cocaine — -Nineteen samples were examined ; five of them, each from a
different manufacturer, were taken from original packages. All of these five
were as good as is required. The other fourteen were purchased from various
retail drug stores. Four out of these fourteen were all right, but the other
ten were adulterated with acetanilid from 20 to 60 per cent.

Opium — Eight samples of assayed powdered opium all conformed to the
claims made upon the labels, within the reasonable limits of errors, and
allowance for different processes of assay used.

Laudanum — Numerous samples of laudanum have been assayed ; some
from the jobbing druggists, some from the retail druggists and others from the
groceries. About half of them were near enough right to show good inten-
tions upon the part of the maker, while the balance showed all degrees of
badness, down to a dark colored liquid that took a stretch of the imagina-
tion to even give it the name of laudanum.

Many other articles have been examined, more or less closely, with results
that on the average compare with those spoken of above ; the conclusion is
that the jobbing druggists, on the whole, are supplying the retail trade with
drugs of as high a grade as the retailer is willing to pay for, and that where
they send out goods that are not as good as they should be it is because of the
continual demand made upon them for articles that bear the name regardless
of quality. The author concludes that just as soon as the retailer asks for
higher class drugs, the jobbers will gladly supply them.

520 Pharmaceutical Associations. ^"october.S111"

" Essentials Oil of the Pharmacopoeia. " B. G. Eberle presented a chart for
ready reference of the more common essential oils, relative to their purity,
production, preservation, tests, etc.

VIRGINIA PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.1

The annual meeting was held at Elkton, on July 16th. The
President, A. W. Eley, in his address recommended that the Asso-
ciation endeavor to have inserted in the new constitution of Virginia,
a clause to prohibit the Legislature from passing relief bills to allow
certain persons to become druggists without passing the examination.

The Secretary, C. B. Fleet, suggested in his report, that a com-
mittee be appointed to consider the advisability of the Association
publishing a journal or securing a department in some journal that
was already in existence. On motion, the matter was referred to a
special committee and a report on it will be made at the next meet-
ing of the Association. Mr. Fleet also suggested that the Associa-
tion take some steps in assisting the Board in prosecuting violators
of the pharmaceutical laws, and on motion, a committee was ap-
pointed for that purpose.

Treasurer Lumsden's report showed Association finances to be in
a healthy condition.

The committee appointed at last year's meeting to make an ex-
hibit of National Formulary preparations before the Virginia Med-
ical Association at its late annual meeting, reported that it had
prepared a most creditable exhibit of these preparations and exhibited
them to the physicians in attendance. All seemed interested and
the committee believed the exhibit would result in convincing physi-
cians of the value of the National Formulary preparations.

The Committee on Legislation reported its continued effort to
prosecute violators of the pharmacy laws, and the continued diffi-
culty which they found in getting the Commonwealth attorneys to
take hold of the violations and violators. An appropriation was
made to assist the Committee in its programme of war against
transgressors of the pharmacy laws.

At the election of officers for the ensuing year the following were
selected : President, E. L. Robey ; Vice-Presidents, John L. Hagan
and N. B. Schmitt ; Secretary, C. B. Fleet, of Lynchburg ; Local
Secretary, Thomas S. Howell, of Hampton ; Treasurer, C. H. Lums-

1 Nat. Drug., p. 263.

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
October, 1901. /

' The odor Huseman n .

521

den; Executive Committee, T. A. Miller, John T. Watson and
Richard Gwathmey.

Candidates for vacancies on the Board of Pharmacy : Edgar War-
field, N. B. Schmitt, G. T. Mankin, C. B. Fleet and H. W. Cole.

For the next place of meeting Old Point Comfort was selected.

THEODOR HUSEMANN.

Theodor Husemann, Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology
in the University of Gottingen, died rather suddenly on February
13, 1901, having lectured with his usual vigor on the same day.

The name Husemann has been a familiar one in medicine and
pharmacy for more than a hundred years. Theodor Husemann,
the subject of this brief sketch, was born on January 13, 1833, in
Detmold, Germany. He received his preliminary education in the
Gymnasium in Detmold and later studied medicine and the natural
sciences in the Universities of Gottingen, Wurzburg, Prag and Ber-
lin. He was assistant for several years to Professor Oltendorf, in
the University of Prag and while there perfected his knowledge of
the languages and of the history of the natural sciences and
medicine, thereby laying the foundation for his future success in
these departments. Beginning in 1856 with a paper on the Histori-
cal Study of Pediculosis, Husemann became renowned for his contri-
butions on historical and philological, medical and scientific subjects.
In the latter part of the fifties, he began his studies and researches
in pharmacology and toxicology, subsequently writing a number of
important papers on these subjects, among which may be men-
tioned: Potassium Cyanide Poisoning, Symptoms of Strychnine
Poisoning, Ptomaines and their Significance in Judicial and Toxicolo-
gical chemistry, xetc. It may be said that his work went far to lay
the foundations of the scientific study of toxicology.

Husemann undertook to practice medicine in 1859 and i860,
but gave it up to devote himself entirely to his toxtcological and
pharmacological studies in the University of Gottingen. He began to
publish a series of valuable papers on Meat Poisons and Meat Poison-
ing and made a reputation for himself in various poison litigations.

^his paper was translated by Dr. F. B. Power from the Arch. Pharm.,
1881, p. 415 and appeared in this Journal, 1882, p. 152.

522

The odor Husemann,

{

Am. Jour. Phariru
October, 1901.

The valuable " Handbuch der Toxikologie " which was published
in 1862, was the joint work of him and his uncle A. Husemann.
In 1 861 he was made reporter on Pharmacology and Toxicology
for the Jahresberichte jur die gesammte Medecin, which position he
held during the remainder of his life.

In 1865 he was made " venia legendi" on pharmacology and toxi-
cology at the University of Gbttingen and by dint of hard work
and enthusiasm became, in 1872, professor of these subjects.

Husemann was perhaps best known to scientists abroad for
his remarkable work on " Die Pflanzenstoffe in chemischer, physio-
logischer, pharmakologischer und toxicologischer Hinsicht,'' the
first edition being the joint work of August Husemann and him-
self, while in the second edition he was assisted by A. Hilger.
This book is classical in character and one of the most important
books that has been written along this line of investigation and
has made possible the various monographs on the alkaloids, gluco-
sides, tannins, etc.

Among his other works may be mentioned his " Handbuch der
Arzneimittellehre " which was first issued in 1873 and has been for
years among the important reference books of the pharmaceutical
and medical students in Germany.

He was a frequent contributor to the important encyclopaedic
works and wrote many papers on a great many different topics
including the natural sciences, philosophy, philology, as well as
pharmacology and toxicology. He was known in pharmacy more
especially because of his studies on aconite, blatta, false star-anise,
strophanthus, on the derivation of the words syrup, drug, bismuth,
etc.

Husemann was a scientist by nature and by training and always
devoted his energies to the subject at hand for which he had the
best opportunity for study and development. The late Baron von
Mueller thought so much of him as to name an Australian genus
of the Menispermaceae after him, viz : Husemannia pratense. Huse-
mann was honored by membership in many scientific societies,
among which was this College. In the editorial sketch in the
Phatmaceutische Zeitung, the editor, in summing up the various
accomplishments of Husemann, says: "It is not too much to
say that he was a universal genius, the like of whom is seldom

seen.

H. K.

THE AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY

NOVEMBER, igoi.

ADRENALIN THE ACTIVE PRINCIPLE OF THE SUPRA-
RENAL GLANDS AND ITS MODE OF PREPARATION.
By Dr. Jokichi Takamine.

I have no doubt that a good many of you present have read an
account of adrenalin, and some of you no doubt have used it.
Inasmuch as, however, this is the first time the active principle of
the suprarenal glands was isolated in a commercial scale, and such
might lead to the isolation of the active principle of other interest-
ing glands, I venture to submit before you a brief sketch as far as
investigation has gone.

Forty-six years ago, Adison first observed the certain changes of
the suprarenal glands and their relationships to the disease now
bearing his name. Oliver and Schafer's work on the physiological
action of the glandular extract, was soon followed by Scymonowicz,
Cybulski, and later by many others. The suprarenal therapy has
since become, not only a subject of scientific interest, but has suc-
cessfully been applied in various branches of medical practice.
Marvelous therapeutic value of the suprarenal extract has now been
established and proved beyond all doubts.

As the use of suprarenal extract increased, a keen desire to
obtain its active ingredient in pure state was generally felt by
medical practitioners, for reasons that the said extract is prone
to deteriorate very rapidly and hence the necessity of preparing
fresh each time before use.

Many able chemists turned their attention toward isolation of the
active principle, desiring it might become a very useful agent in
therapeutics. So far as chemical nature is concerned, but a little

(523)

524

Adrenalin.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
I November. 1901.

knowledge has been contributed over Vulpian's original observa-
tion that ferric chloride and iodine impart characteristic hues to the
glandular juice.

J. J. Abel's investigation on the subject has no doubt thrown
some light on the chemical side ; unfortunately for him, however, he
was not working with the active principle but a somewhat modified
substance, or the benzoyl-compound which withstood his autoclave
treatment.

Otto von Furth, of Germany, worked on the same line of research
and has already written several papers in which a controversy
against Abel's epinephrin was entertained. Epinephrin is a substance
in suprarenal glands isolated by Dr. Abel and claimed by him to be
the active principle.

It is von Furth who declared that epinephrin is not the active
principle of the gland but an inert substance mixed with diversified
proportion of his suprarenin, which he claims to be the real principle,
according to conditions of preparation, hence its variegation of
physiological activity. Epinephrin may be made entirely inactive
by simply refining it. This was also observed by Abel who ascribed
its modification to the nature of the substance and concluded that
there are at least two isomers of epinephrin, namely, active and
inactive.

Suprarenin, according to its author, is obtained from the filtrate
in which Abel considered no epinephrin does exist. The wide dif-
ference in the process of preparation and almost entire dissimilarity
of chemical reaction of the suprarenin and epinephrin tends to put
outsiders in obscurity in determining whether or not there are two
ingredients in suprarenal glands, exerting similar physiological
activity.

Abel, however, recently published a further observation on epin-
ephrin, in March number of the Johns Hopkins Hospital Bulletin,
1 90 1, in which he substantiated von Furth's statement that the un-
altered or rather native active principle of the gland is not at all
precipitable by ammonia and naturally he recognized that epin-
ephrin was indeed a modified substance of the active principle as
Furth argued, thus having partly concluded the dispute between the
two authors. Still, however, there remains a question whether
suprarenin be the pure active ingredient or a mixture thereof, with
more or less inert matters, as long as von Furth cannot get it in
pure, stable, definite forms.

Am. Jour. Pharm.)
November, 1901. J

Adrenalin.

52S

Last summer I devoted my attention to this subject and am pleased
to announce that I have succeeded in isolating the active principle
in a pure, stable, crystalline form, the base itself. I do not by any
means desire to usurp the credit due to the pioneer investigators,
yet in view of the fact that neither of the authors quoted above
have obtained the active principle in a pure form, and that there
may exist some room for controversy, I have, therefore, termed my
substance, as I isolated, " Adrenalin."

Isolation of the active principle of the suprarenal glands : —

The mode of preparing the active principle of the suprarenal
glands is as follows : Suprarenal capsules finely disintegrated by-
suitable means, are steeped in water or acidulated water for a period
of about five hours at a temperature varying from 50 to 80 degrees
centigrade, with frequent agitation and with the addition of water
as it evaporates. The temperature of the mass is now raised from
90 to 95 degrees centigrade for the period of one hour so as to
coagulate as much albumenoid as possible.

As the active principle of the glands is prone to absorb the
oxygen from the air, to form inactive substance, it is necessary to
avoid exposure of the liquid to the air as much as possible. A
layer of fat floating on the surface of the mass acts very conveniently
for this purpose and at the same time it has an effect of retarding
evaporation of water as well. Other methods of preventing oxida-
tion may be employed at this stage, such as conducting the steeping
process in an atmosphere of carbonic acid gas. The mass is now
pressed and separated from the liquid portion which contains the
active principle. The mass is again steeped for hours in warm water
slightly acidulated with acetic or hydrochloric acid, in order to
extract the residual amount of active principle. The liquid sepa-
rated from the mass is now added to the first extract and allowed'
to separate from the oil. The clear extract is now evaporated
in a vacuum pan to a suitable strength. To this concentrated
solution about two to three times its own volume of strong ethyl
alcohol is added, or more economically wood spirit, which will pre-
cipitate both inert organic and inorganic substances. The inert
substances thus separated are washed with alcohol so as to free
them from the active principle. The alcohol solution is now evapo-
rated preferably in vacuum still, whereby the alcohol used is duly
recovered. To the residual liquid, ammonia is now added until the

526

Adrenalin.

( Arn. Jour. Pharm.
\ November, 1901.

solution gets distinctly alkaline and left over for several hours. A
yellow brownish precipitate will be formed which is the crude
adrenalin in a basic form. The precipitate is now .filtered, washed
with water and dried. The impure adrenalin usually precipitates in
a light yellow brownish tomato-shaped form, but not infrequently
in needles. The former is an agglomeration of needle crystals
and is more or less contaminated with coloring matters and some
inorganic substance, chiefly phosphates.

Instead of using ammonia, sodium hydrate may be used as a pre-
cipitant, but care must be taken not to use in excess, which redis-
solves adrenalin. In order to counteract caustic alkali, ammonium
chloride or carbonic acid may be conveniently used. In fact, the
various modifications and combinations of these -processes may be
adopted.

For the further purification of the adrenalin, the crude adrenalin
is dissolved in acid and alcohol and ether is added to a sufficient
quantity. A brown colored precipitate is produced which chiefly
consists of coloring matter and inorganic impurities. The precipi-
tate is separated both by decantation and filtration. The filtrate is
now treated by one of the above-mentioned processes, when white
crystalline precipitate of adrenalin will be obtained. It is quickly
filtered, washed with water and then with alcohol and dried. The
process of purification may be repeated, if desired, two or three
times.

Properties and Deportments : —

Adrenalin is a light white, micro-crystalline substance, having, so
far, observed to separate in five different forms of crystals according
to the condition of solutions from which they be crystallized: I.
Prisms; 2. Fine needles; 3. Rhombic plates; 4. Boat or leaf-
shaped; 5. Wartlike.

Adrenalin has a slightly bitter taste and leaves a numb feeling on
the tongue where it has been applied. In dry form it is perfectly
stable. Adrenalin shows weak alkaline reaction on moistened
litmus paper. Phenolphtalein also indicates slight alkalinity. It is
soluble with difficulty in cold water and more readily in hot water.
From the hot saturated aqueous solution the crystals separate on
cooling. The colorless aqueous solution of adrenalin is prone to
oxidation, absorbing oxygen from air and assuming colors from
beautiful pink to red and eventually brown. It is easily soluble in

Am. Jour. Pharra.l , A drpwali-il C97

November, 1901. J SlUTenciLiri. }Z/

acids, and alkali hydroxides, forming salts. Ammonia and alkali
carbonate do not dissolve adrenalin. Adrenalin solution made
alkaline with alkali hydroxides and carbonates as well as alkaline
earth hydroxides, readily absorbs oxygen from air, its rapidity being
exactly proportionate to the strength of alkalinity.

The following are some of the characteristic reactions : Ferric
chloride colors adrenalin solution emerald green, while iodine im-
parts a vivid pink, as first observed by Vulpian. A careful addition
of caustic alkali to the green solution colored by ferric chloride,
gives rise to the various shades of hue ranging from purple to car-
mine red, which is destroyed by careful neutralization with acids,
restoring its original color. Oxydizing agents such as nitric acid,
potassium bichromate and ferricyanide, etc., behave in a similar
manner as iodine does. Gold chloride is very energetically reduced
by adrenalin and a complete separation of the metal follows, from
acid solution, by application of gentle heat ; resultant liquid is
colored pink or carmine red according to the strength of the solu-
tion used, as is the case with different oxydizing agents.

None of the following alkaloidal reagents produce precipitation :
Mercuro-potassium iodide, picric acid, tannic acid, phosphomolybdic
acid, phospho-tungstic acid, mercuric chloride, lead acetate, potas-
sium bichromate and platinum chloride.

Analyses of Adrenalin : —

Combustions of adrenalin had been made in my laboratory and
the following results were obtained : —

I. IT. III. IV. Average.

C 59'54 59'33 59'40 59'28 59"38

H 7-99 8-13 7-62 7*62 7-84

N . . . . . 8-401 8-13 774 776 7.88

O 24.94

100.00

The probable empirical formula of adrenalin, calculated out of the
above figures as basis, is C10H15NO3.

IOO parts of adrenalin needs nearly 19 parts of hydrochloric acid
in forming a neutral salt and this substantiates the approximity of
correctness of the formula, for 100 parts of the substance requires,
by calculation, exactly 18-5 parts of HC1.

1 The figure of N under No. I, was roughly estimated by the Kjeldahl method
with the intention of having an approximate amount of nitrogen and there-
fore may not be regarded as accurate.

528

Adrenalin.

( Am. Jour. Pharm.
( November, 1901.

T. B. Aldrich, of Detroit, reported in his paper (August number
of the American Journal of Physiology) that he had also succeeded
in the isolation of the crystalline active principle of the suprarenal
glands by the use of basic acetate of lead as a precipitant, and later
by ammonia. He proved by analysis that his substance was exactly
identical with my adrenalin.

Aldrich's formula is C9H13N03. which differs with mine by less
CH2. Aldrich observes that " if we subtract a benzoyl residue
C7HsO from Abel's formula for epinephrin (C17H15N04) we obtain
C10H10NO3," which is not very far from Aldrich's own result.

It will be of some interest to arrange tabularly the empirical
formulas of the glandular active principle, according to the results
and claims by different authors :

Furth. Abel. Aldrich. Takamine.

C5H7N02 C17H15N04 C9H13N03 C10H15TO3

C5H9N02.

The further investigations on different chemical behaviors of
adrenalin will help to determine the correct formula for this inter-
esting product.

Salts : Adrenalin is very soluble in acids and alkalies, and forms
its salts which are not crystallizable. I made three kinds of salts —
hydrochloride, sulphate and benzoate — by carefully dissolving adren-
alin with the acids respectively and evaporating in vacuo over strong
sulphuric acid. In the long course of time they all became dark
brown, brittle masses, deliquescent in the air. So far my efforts to
crystallize them have failed.

Alkali compounds are easily affected by oxygen of air and their
crystallization is entirely impossible.

Benzoyl Compounds : Pure adrenalin is dissolved in a slight ex-
cess of an alkali solution, in a separating funnel, and benzoyl
chloride is gradually added, shaking the contents briskly after each
addition. After shaking a quarter or half an hour a yellow-brownish
oily liquid will settle on the bottom of the funnel, and supernatant
liquid will be found suspending some crystalline substance, and
reacts no longer with ferric chloride, after acidulating with hydro-
chloric acid, showing that adrenalin has entirely combined with
benzoyl by the manipulation. The oily liquid is first washed with
water, and then with a diluted sodium carbonate solution, followed

a m. Jour. Pbarm. \ Adrenalin C2Q

November, 1901. / - siarenauu.

with repeated washing with cold water until it is no longer alkaline.
This oily substance had been kept over several months, still it
showed no signs of crystallization but dried up to a transparent
amber colored brittle mass.

I have tried it with different solvents in view of crystallizing but
thus far in vain, and concluded that this portion of the benzoyl
compounds is not crystallizable.

The other portion of the benzoyl compounds is crystalline, but
without any deflaed form, and dissolves very easily in ether and
alcohol, from which solution again the similarly formed substance
can be obtained by evaporation of either alcohol or ether.

Analyses of both compounds are not yet finished on account of
lack of pure substance, but I hope I will be able to report before
long.

Action of Potassium Hydroxide on Adrenalin : To caustic potash,
fused in a silver dish at as low temperature as possible, adrenalin
(about one-quarter in weight) is carefully added when the mass will
swell up, emitting noxious odor which partly has the smell recalling
homologous pyridins. As soon as the swelling subsides and the
mass uniformly fuses, the dish is removed from fire and cooled and
then dissolved in water. This aqueous solution is now shaken with
ether which takes up a substance which discharges a peculiar pene-
trating odor of indol or skatol, but substance is in such a small
quantity that prohibits further manipulations for chemical proof, I
think it is proper to attribute this production of skatol or indol
smelling substance to the contamination of albuminous matters
which is practically unavoidable in case of crude adrenalin.

The portion separated from ether is acidulated with hydrochloric
acid and again shaken with ether which leaves beautiful needle
crystals on evaporation. These crystals are the mixture of two
substances with almost similar reaction toward ferric chloride. On
determining the melting point of the crystals respectively, it was
found that one melts at about 100° C. while the other melts at
about 1900 C. Both are easily soluble in water as well as in alcohol.
Ferric chloride colors the solution of the crystals a beautiful emerald
green which turns red by careful addition of sodium carbonate solu-
tion. Silver nitrate and Fehling's solution are reduced by them and
lead acetate produces a voluminous precipitate.

I could not obtain enough quantity of both crystals, so as they

53o

Adrenalin.

i Am. Jour. Pharm^
\ November, 1901.

can be subjected to analyses ; but as far as their chemical reactions
and melting points are concerned there is little doubt to believe that
the mixture consists of protocatechuic acid and pyrocatechin. The
former is easily changed to the latter while the fusion is going on.
Surmising chief production by the potash fusion be protocatechuic
acid, it may be possibly right to conclude that in adrenalin molecule
there is such a residue, C6H3(OH)2 — as is linking to the other residue
C4H10NO. I cannot at present furnish chemical proof for the above
supposition but hope to continue further investigation during this
winter, when the material can be obtained and manipulated without
any fear of deterioration, and report on the results.

Physiological Properties : The physiological activity of adrenalin
thus isolated is astoundingly strong. A fraction of one drop of
aqueous solution of adrenalin or its salt in strength of I : 50,000
blanches the normal conjunctiva within one minute. It is the
strongest hemostatic agent known.

The intravenous injection of adrenalin produced a powerful action
upon the muscular system in general, but especially upon the mus-
cular wall of the blood vessels and the muscular walls of the heart,,
resulting in an enormous rise of blood pressure. The result of three
intravenous injections of 1 c.c. of the solution of adrenalin chloride
of 1 : 100,000 into a dog weighing 8 kilograms raised the blood
pressure corresponding 30 millimeters of mercury.

The above result, as well as other experiments, indicates that
adrenalin is over one thousand times stronger than the fresh glands.

The therapeutic applications of adrenalin are already numerous
and new uses for it are constantly found by investigators. Generally
speaking, adrenalin when locally applied is the most powerful
astringent and hemostatic known. It is useful in all forms of inflam-
mation and is the strongest stimulant of the heart. It is non~
irritating, non-poisonous, non-cumulative and without injurious
properties. It has been used with good results as an antidote in
morphin and opium poisoning, in circulatory failure, in the preven-
tion of collapse in anesthesia, and in allied conditions. It is invalu-
able in carrying out bloodless operations in nose, eye, ear and throat
work. It has also given good results in some cases of deafness, hay
fever, nasal hemorrhage and various forms of heart disease. Such
authorities as Doctors Mayer, Wilson, Bates, Reichert, Ingals,.
Stucky, Chambers, Curtis, Swain and many others have reported
very favorable results.

^ovimber.wo™ } Preparations of the Suprarenal Glands. 531

The therapeutic efficacy of adrenalin has already been established
beyond doubt, and it will unquestionably obtain a prominent place
in the materia medica.

There are several useful applications of adrenalin in arts and
industry ; for instance, a developer of photographic plates, as a re-
ducing agent in chemical analysis, art of dyeing, etc.

In concluding this paper, I desire to state that my thanks are due
to Dr. E. M. Houghton, of Detroit, for making the physiological
test, and also my thanks and large share of credit are due to Mr.
Wooyenaka, my associate, for his energetic and able assistance in
accomplishing this interesting investigation.

THE PHARMACOLOGIC ASSAY OF PREPARATIONS OF
THE SUPRARENAL GLANDS.1
By E. M. Houghton, M.D.

Since Adison, in 1855, called attention to the relation of path,
ological lesions of the suprarenal glands to the disease which has
since borne his name, these bodies have been the subject of
numerous researches by workers in all lines of medical science.
The histologist, the chemist, the physiologist and pharmacologist
has each contributed his share to the sum total of the results ob-
tained, which, often enough, have been widely divergent. But it is
not my purpose to review the history of this interesting subject, It
may be remarked, however, that for the first forty years the active
principle found in these glands was the plaything of science, then
leaped into prominence when Bates discovered that it could be em-
ployed as an astringent in ophthalmology, since which time physi-
cians are finding new uses for it almost daily. In the course of some
experimental work on the pharmacology of the adrenals, it appeared
possible to take advantage of the marvelous influence of the active
principle contained in extracts of these bodies upon the blood pres-
sure which had been observed by Oliver and Shafer as a means of
measuring their activity. Furthermore, it seemed quite advisable,
as we had no chemical means of standardizing them, that some
method of assay should be found, since in all probability in keeping
with products of similar nature there must be much variation in the

1 Presented at the St. L,ouis meeting of the American Pharmaceutical Asso-
ciation, September, 1901.

532 Preparations of the Suprarenal Glands. {AxovJembefhi9oim'

pharmacologic activity, owing to the liability to undergo chemical
or bacteriological decomposition before, during, or after manufac-
ture, in the various products that were to be obtained on the market.

Believing that the results of my observations may be of some
interest to members of the Association, I will briefly outline the
method that has given me the best results. This method is based
upon the changes produced in the blood pressure of the carotid
artery when variable quantities of a given preparation of the supra-
renal glands dissolved in slightly acidulated water, the inert sub-
stance being removed as far as possible, are injected into the
femoral, or jugular vein, of an anaesthetized dog or other animal.

The apparatus required are an operating table suitable for experi-

\ A

°-25 is" ft" }2eC

Fig. i. — Blood-pressure tracing taken from the carotid artery of a dog anes-
thetized with chloretone. Suprarenal liquid diluted with normal saline solution
to 5 c.c. in each instance was slowly injected into the femoral vein.

When injected into the circulation the principle of the suprarenal gland
causes a marked temporary rise in the blood-pressure. The height of the
waves in the above tracing (indicating the amount of pressure in the carotid
artery) is directly proportionate to the quantity of adrenalin injected in each in-
stance. For example, at A is shown the effect of the administration of 0*25
c.c. of suprarenal liquid ; at B, of 0*5 c.c. ; at C, of 1 c.c. ; and a±D, of 2 c.c

menting on dogs, and such surgical instruments as are usually found
in physiological and pharmacological laboratories, including small
glass conulae, suitable for inserting in blood-vessels and veins and a
syringe of 10 c.c. capacity. A large-sized kymograph, with mano-
meter arranged for taking blood-pressure tracings on continuous
rolls of white paper, with ink pens, or fitted with the more con-
venient smoked-paper sheets, upon which the results are traced with
a stylus is required. In either case, whether smoked or unsmoked
paper is employed, for convenience in making measurements of the
height of the blood-pressure tracings, the paper should have linear
rulings, five millimeters apart.

The method is as follows: A small or medium-sized dog is care-

Am. Jour. Pharru
November, 1901.

•} Preparations of the Suprarenal Glands.

533

fully anaesthetized with chloroform, ether or chloretone. I have
used the latter drug almost entirely, as but one dose, which is given
per stomach, is required. In from fifteen to thirty minutes the ani-
mal is thoroughly anaesthetized, and will remain entirely insensible
to pain for any length of time. Another decided advantage pos-
sessed by this anesthetic over chloroform and ether for laboratory
work is the fact that the blood-pressure remains constant for many
hours. After the animal is completely anaesthetized he is placed
on the operating table, and glass conulae of suitable size are tied?
as quickly as possible, into the carotid artery and femoral vein, the
vessels being clamped off previously with forceps. The conula in
the artery is connected to an inelastic tube, completely filled with a
half-saturated sodium carbonate solution to prevent the blood from
clotting by means of a short piece of rubber tubing, great care

Fig. 2. — Blood-pressure tracing obtained in the same manner as No. r.
Suprarenal liquid solution was, however, more dilute than that employed in

being exercised to exclude all air. The other end of the inelastic
tube terminates in a U-shaped glass manometer tube which is partly
filled with mercury, which has resting upon its free surface a glass
float tipped with a glass writing pen or stylus. As soon as all the
connections are made between the artery and manometer, the clamp
employed to prevent the flowing of blood from the vessel is removed
and immediately the float bearing the writing instrument begins to
rise and fall in unison with the beats of the heart. The recording
drum, which has been carefully placed in contact with the writing
instrument, is released at the same moment and a graphic record of
the blood-pressure and heart beats is made upon the traveling sheet
of paper. A few inches of record are taken as a normal tracing.
Then a quantity of the solution of the preparation of the supra-
renal glands, representing a known quantity of the product, is in-
jected into the vein, through the other glass cornula, care being

No. i.

534 Preparations of the Suprarenal Glands. {A^vembex%u'

again exercised to prevent the entrance of air into the vessel.
Within a few moments after the injection the blood-pressure is
enormously increased, but it quickly falls again to the normal. As
soon as the blood-pressure has become normal a second injection is
made in precisely the same manner, of a known quantity of the
standard solution of the suprarenal gland. Again increased blood-
pressure results. A comparison of first and second tracings will
show whether more or less of the solution being assayed should be
injected to produce the same rise in blood pressure as is produced
by a given amount of the standard preparation. Ultimately, by
repeating the injections, the requisite amount of the preparation
being assayed will be found which will produce a rise in blood-pres-
sure equal to that produced by a given quantity of the standard.
The extent of the rise in blood-pressure varies in proportion to the
amount of the active constituent of the suprarenal gland injected.
Several dogs are usually required for making an assay. Two kinds
of tracings may be made. Complete when the drum of the kymo-
graph is allowed to run continuously, and abbreviated when the
drum remains stationary, while the reaction takes place. In the
latter the rise in blood-pressure is recorded as a short, perpendicular
line. These abbreviated tracings answer admirably for most work,
as only variations in blood-pressure are taken into account. The
smoked paper tracings are fixed by dipping them into shellac, and
allowing them to dry. A great many precautions must be observed
in carrying out the experiments, such as the amount of material
injected at one time, since the extent of the increase in blood-pres-
sure must be sub-maximal, the volume of fluid injected at one
time, the length of time required in making the injections, etc., but
in keeping with all other methods of pharmacologic assay the con-
ditions obtaining in the experiments must be kept constant and the
reaction of the preparation being assayed must be compared with
a known standard.

Naturally the question will arise as to what should be the standard.
At first a freshly prepared fluid extract of fresh bovine suprarenal
glands was employed as a standard, but after the isolation of the
active constituent, adrenalin, I adopted it as a standard, because its
activity remains constant while other preparations of the suprarenal
glands are prone to undergo decomposition, and consequent altera-
tion in strength. The animals, after the experiments are concluded,

A m. Jour. Pliarm. 1
November, 1901. )

Digestive Ferments.

535

are immediately killed. Since the dogs are procured from the pound,
and killed by an anesthetic instead of drowned, there should be no
trouble with the humane societies.

The accuracy of the results obtained by the application of this
method depend, like those of quantitative methods, generally upon
the skill of the operator and attention to details. As a specific ex-
ample of the results that may be obtained, the following illustration
will suffice : Three samples of adrenalin, of known but concealed
strength, were prepared and assayed. Calling the standard 100 per
cent., the unknowns contained 40, 85, and 130 per cent., respec-
tively. The results reported were 40, 83, and 135 per cent.

DIGESTIVE FERMENTS IN SURGICAL PRACTICE.

WITH THE FORMULA OF A PEPSIN SOLUTION, USED AT THE GERMAN
HOSPITAL, PHILADELPHIA.

BY M. I. WlLBERT.

The local application of digestive ferments, to dissolve the
coagula and putrescent matter found in lesions, or the products of
morbid changes in the living human organism, is not new. Espe-
cially is this true of the vegetable ferment derived from a South
American species of papaw. The proprietary preparations made
from the milky exudation of this plant have been recommended,
and used quite extensively, to dissolve the false membrane in cases
of diphtheria. This same class of preparations has also been used
to some extent for external application, to aid in cleaning out dis-
agreeable sloughing ulcers, by dissolving the broken down granula-
tions and albuminous exudate that offer both shelter and food for
colonies of micro-organisms.

The latter use of this vegetable ferment is evidently a very old
one, and borrowed from the practices of savage or semi-savage
races. Mr. F. B. Kilmer in " The Story of the Papaw," published
in recent numbers of The American Journal of Pharmacy, relates
how the native S3uth American doctors use a paste, made up with
the juice of the papaw, as one of its chief ingredients, as a dressing
for loul ulcers and offensive sores that occur among the natives in
hot climates.

While this vegetable ferment has the decided advantage of be-
ing active in either an acid, neutral or alkaline medium, and, theoret-

536

Digesthe Ferme?its.

/Am. Jour. Pharrcu
1 ZSTovember, 1901.

ically at least, should have a very wide field of usefulness, never-
theless it has several disadvantages that are quite a drawback to its
general adoption in surgical, or even medical practice. One is the
very high price demanded for the different commercial preparations.
Another is the variation that exists in the digestive powers, of the
different preparations on the market, and even among different
samples of the same brand. And, in addition to this, we have no
satisfactory way of making a fluid preparation of this drug that
will offer any reasonable assurance of retaining the active principle
of the drug unimpaired.

The animal digestive ferments have been so improved during the
past twenty years through the scientific study of their physiological
and chemical properties, and by improvements in methods of manu-
facture, that the proteolytic powers of pepsin for instance has been
raised from 1-29 to 1-3000 and, according to the statements of some
manufacturers, a pepsin having the power of digesting 15000 times
its weight of coagulated egg] albumen is not only possible, but is
actually an article of trade at the present time. This improvement
in the quality of these ferments would appear to open many interest-
ing possibilities for their use, that as yet are not fully developed.
If we remember the factors that are necessary for the digestion of
albuminous proteids by the peptonizing enzyme we find that all the
necessary conditions can readily be secured in a wound, ulcer or
abscess of the living human body, and there need be little wonder
therefore that the manufacturers of animal digestive ferments appear
to have recognized the possible advantages to both patient and sur-
geon, that are to be obtained from the use of a peptonizing enzyme,
as a physiological solvent for cleaning out abscesses, indolent ulcers
and necrotic areas. And several more or less efficient prepara-
tions, put up especially for external application, are on the market
at the present time.

It will readily appeal to all that a solvent that will attack and
destroy necrotic tissues, without injuring the surrounding healthy
cells, offers distinct advantages over corrosive or poisonous antisep-
tics, or caustic washes that at best only tear away or remove the
superficial layers of dead cells, or if they do work down into the
deeper tissues, poison and destroy many of the healthy living cells,
and in this way accomplish more harm than good.

For the same reasons such a physiological solvent would appear

Am. Jour. Pharm.)
November, 1901. J

Digestive Ferments.

537

to offer many advantages over the use of the curette, for, while it
is practically impossible to remove all the debris from a wound by
mechanical means, without injuring and scraping away much of the
healthy tissue, we can, by means of digestive ferment, remove all
foreign or dead material, without injuring the vitality of the sur-
rounding living cells, but, what is of more importance, it can be
done without causing any appreciable amount of pain or discomfort.

A pepsin solution that has some resemblance to at least one of
the commercial preparations, has been in use in the out-patient de-
partment of the German Hospital for some time, and appears to be
giving very good satisfaction.

Mixed with two or three times its volume of water, and applied
as a wet dressing, it has given excellent results by removing the
broken down granulations and other septic materials from old
chronic ulcers and abscesses, leaving a healthy granulating surface
• that may be treated as a clean wound in the regular way.

Following up our practice of giving a descriptive title or name
to preparations having distinctive characteristics, we have chris-
tened this particular solution " Physol," this being a combination of
the first syllables of the two words " Physiological Solvent " that
describe better than lengthy phrases what the solution is really
intended for, and what it will do.

The formula for this preparation, as used by us, is as follows.

Pepsin (U.S.P.) 50*

Menthol = . 0*5

Eucalyptol 0-5

Oil of wintergreen . . 0-5

Alcohol . . . io'

Glycerin 50"

Diluted hydrochloric acid 20*

Talcum - 50*

Distilled water to make 1000.

Dissolve the pepsin in 800 c.c. of distilled water, add the diluted
acid and the glycerin, then dissolve the menthol, eucalyptol and oil
of wintergreen in the alcohol and add this solution to the pepsin
mixture. Add sufficient water to make the volume of the solution
IOOO c.c, add the talcum and shake thoroughly, then filter through
paper, returning the first portions until the filtrate runs perfectly
clear.

538 Fruit of Cocas Nucifera. {*S£S&gXr

The resulting solution is a clear, light yellow and pleasantly
aromatic solution that appears to keep, without any appreciable
change in its peptonizing properties.

THE ANATOMY OF THE FRUIT OF COCOS NUCIFERA.1

By A. L. Winton.2

(Contribution from The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New

Haven, Conn. )

I. MORPHOLOGY AND MACROSCOPIC STRUCTURE.

Since the general structure of the cocoanut fruit has been treated
by numerous writers on systematic and economic botany, only such
facts are here given as are essential for a clear understanding of the
relation of the parts and the microscopic structure.

The flowers are arranged in spikes branching from a central axis
and inclosed within a tough spathe usually a meter or more in length
{Fig. i). A single female flower is borne near the base of each
lateral axis, and numerous male flowers are distributed on all sides
of the axis between the female flower and the apex. After the
male flowers drop, each naked lateral axis persists and is a promi-
nent appendage of the fruit (Figs. 2 and j S). Only one ovule of
the three-celled ovary comes to maturity, but the tricarpelary
nature of the fruit is indicated by its triangular shape as well as by
the longitudinal ridges and the three eyes or germinating hole of
the nut.

The epicarp of the fruit (Fig. j, Epi) is a smooth tough coat, of a
brownish or grayish color.

1 Reprinted from The American Journal of Science, Vol. xii, October, 1901.

2 European microscopists have studied the foods and adulterants which have
come under their observation but have overlooked a number of distinctly
American products. The writer has undertaken to fill in some of these gaps
by a series of papers, of which this is the second. The first paper, on the
anatomy of maize cob, was published in the Oesterreichische Chemiker-Zeit-
ung, 1900, p. 345, and also in the Conn. Experiment Station Report, 1900, p.
186.

Each paper will describe from the purely scientific standpoint the macrosco-
pic and histological structure of the material investigated, and also in a final
chapter point out the application of this knowledge to the detection of adultera-
tion. The last chapter is not strictly suited to the pages of this Journal, but
is so dependent on the scientific descriptions which precede it that it would be
almost valueless if published separately.

Fig. 2. Half grown
cocoanut fruit with calyx,
and axis from which the
male flowers have fallen.

Fig. i. Infloresence of the cocoanut'show-
ing spathe inclosing the spikes each with
numerous male flowers above and a single
female flower near the base. X h

Fig. 4. Inner surface
of a cocoanut shell with
adhering outer testa. At
the left the raphe, from
which proceed veins
forming a network over
the surface. X h

54o

Fruit of Co cos Nucifera.

[Am. Jour. Pharm
I November, 1901.

The mesocarp (Fig. j, Mes), consists ot a hard outer coat but
a few millimetres thick and a soft portion, usually 3-4 cm. thick, on
the sides and much thicker on the base. Imbedded in the meso-
carp are numerous longitudinally arranged fibers, varying in size
from slender hairs to large, sparingly branching and anastomosing,
flattened forms, 2-3 m.m. broad. The large fibers are situated
chiefly in the inner layers, with their flat surfaces parallel with the
surface of the nut.

Oftentimes the inner layers of the mesocarp become impreg-
nated with a brown fluid, which on drying, gives the thin tissue a
mottled brown appearance.

Fig. 3. Ripe cocoanut fruit. S, lower part of axis forming the stem ; A,
upper end of axis with scars of male flowers ; Epi, epicarp ; Mes, mesocarp
with fibers ; End, endocarp or hard shell ; T, portion of testa adhering to
endosperm ; Alb, endosperm surrounding cavity of the nut ; K, germinating
eye. X \,

The endocarp, or shell {Fig. 3, End), consists of a hard, dark
brown coat, 2-6 m.m. thick, with numerous fibers adhering to the sur-
face. Three nearly equidistant ridges (often indistinct) pass from
base to apex, where they unite to form a blunt point. At the basal
end, between the ridges, are the three depressions or eyes, the tis-
sues of which are much softer and thinner than of the rest of the
shell {Fig. 3, K). Through the softest of these eyes the embryo,

Am. Jour. Pharm.)
November, 1901. J

Fruit of Cocos Nucifera.

541

embedded in the endosperm directly behind it, escapes in
sprouting.

The testa of the anatropous seed (Fig. J, T, and Fig. is a thin
coat of a light brown color, closely united with the endocarp with-
out and the endosperm within. Embedded in the outer portion
and extending from the principal eye nearly to the apex is the
raphe, consisting of a thin band of vascular tissues about I cm.
broad, which sends off branches in all directions, forming a network
about the seed. The endosperm with the inner portion of the testa
may be separated from the outer testa and endocarp by introduc-
ing a knife blade between the layers. By this operation the veins
are split, part of the vascular tissue adhering to the convex surface
of the inner testa, and the remainder to the concave surface of the
outer testa, so that both surfaces are covered with reticulations.

The endosperm or meat of the cocoanut {Fig. j, Aid.) is a white,
fleshy layer, 1-2 cm. thick, in which, near the base, is embedded the
small embryo. While immature, the nut is filled with a milky
liquid and has no solid endosperm, but as the ripening proceeds
the endosperm is gradually formed and at the same time the milky
liquid diminishes in quantity or entirely disappears.

Cocoanuts yield food for man and cattle, oil, fiber, and other use-
ful products. The epicarp and mesocarp are cut away from nuts
designed for export, although invariably a small amount of the
mesocarp with its fibers remains attached to the shell. In re-
moving the meat, the outer testa, as has been stated, also adheres
to the hard shell, so that cocoanut shells consist not merely of endo-
carp, but also of a certain amount of mesocarp and testa.

II. HISTOLOGY.

The microscopic structure of the cocoanut seed is described by
Hanausek,1 Harz,2 Moeller,3 Koenig4 and other authorities on foods
and applied microscopy.

Cocoanut fiber (coir), which has long been extensively employed

1 Die Nahrungs- und Genussmittel aus dem Pflanzenreiche, Kassel, 1884, p.
155.

2 Landwirthschaftliche Samenkunde, Berlin, 1885, p. 11 20.

3 Mikroscopie der Nahrungs- und Genussmittel aus dem Pflanzenreiche^
Berlin, 1886, p. 241.

4 Die Untersuchung landwirtschaftlich u. gewerblich wichtiger Stoffe, Ber-
lin, 1898, p. 291.

542

Fruit of Co cos Nucifera.

(Am, Jour. Pharm.
I Norember, 1901.

in making mats and cordage, and also cocoanut shell, which has
been used for making knobs and other turned articles, were studied
by Wiesner1 nearly thirty years ago, but his work was designed
chiefly to distinguish the fiber from other commercial fibers and the
shell from the similar shell of Attalea funifera.

Von Hoehnel 2 describes briefly the histology of coir, but, like
Wiesner, does not appear to have understood the true nature of
the stegmata.

Weiss,3 Engler and Prantl,4 and some other authors refer
briefly to the microscopic structure of parts of the cocoanut, but
their descriptions are of little value in diagnosis.

1. Epicarp.

The epicarp or epidermal layer is about -015 m.m. thick and is
made up of tabular cells with dark brown contents. In surface
view the cells are usually square, rectangular or triangular, with
double walls about -005 m.m. thick and are arranged with some
regularity in rows.

2. Mesocarp.

(a) Hard ground tissue. — This tissue consists of thick-walled
cells which are often tangentially-transversely elongated. In the
first few layers the walls are about the same thickness as in the
epidermis, without evident pores, but further inward they are more
strongly thickened (double walls often '015 m.m. thick) and con-
spicuously porous. Still further inward they pass into the paren-
chyma of the soft ground tissue.

(b) Bast-fiber bundles. — In the hard ground tissue the bundles
have no phloem or xylem but are composed entirely of bast-fibers
with cell walls often thicker than the lumen. The number of
fibers seen in cross section varies from two or three up to a hun-
dred or more. Transitional forms between fibrous and fibro-vas-
cular bundles occur further inward.

1 Die Rohstoffe des Pflanzen-Reiches, Leipzig, 1873, pp. 436 and 789. (A new
edition is being published in parts, but the chapters on the cocoanut have not
yet appeared.)

2 Die Microscopie der technisch verwendeten Faserstoffe, Leipzig, 1887, p. 52.

3 Anatomie der Pflanzeny Wien, 1878, 1 Band.

4 Die natiirlichen PJlanzenfamilien, II Theil, 3 Abteilung, p. 22.

Am. Jour. Pharm. i
November, 1901. J

Fruit of Cocos Nucifera.

543

(c) Soft ground tissue. — The thin-walled parenchyma cells of the
soft ground tissue are in some parts isodiametric, in other parts
longitudinally elongated, and in still other parts transversely-
tangentially elongated {Fig. 8, w). Wherever the brown liquid
previously referred to has penetrated the inner layers of the meso-
carp, groups of the parenchyma cells here and there, being impreg-
nated with this material, are of a rich brown color and appear
thicker-walled than the others (Fig. 8, br.). This brown substance
is quickly changed to a reddish color by caustic potash, but is not
affected by alcohol, ether or the specific reagents for proteids, fats
and resins. No immediate effect is produced by ferric chloride
solution, but on long standing the color is changed to olive green.

Fig. 5. Transverse section of a large flattened (mesocarp) fiber of the
cocoanut. ste, stegmata ; f, sheath of bast fibers ; pk, two phloem groups ; xr,
xylem ; p, parenchyma of ground tissue ; a, rudimentary bundle belonging to
small branch. X 9°-

(d) Fibers {Coir).— These are fibro-vascular bundles with a
strongly developed sheath of bast-fibers. Toward the xylem side
of the bundle, particularly in the large fibers, the sheath usually
diminishes in thickness and the vascular portion, as seen in cross
section, is more or less eccentric, surrounded by a crescent-shaped
sheath with the horns connected by a narrower strip.

In the smaller fibers there is but one group of phloem elements,
but in the larger flattened fibers there are usually two, or occa-

544

Fruit of Cocos Nucifera.

1 Am. Jour. Pharm.
I November, 1901.

sionally more, groups separated from each other by a continuation
of the sheath (Fig. 5). Normally the xylem is near the inner flat
side and the two phloem groups are approximately symmetrical
with reference to the shorter axis of the elliptical cross section ;
but often the xylem is near one of the narrow sides and the phloem
groups are symmetrical with reference to the longer axis, and still
more often the arrangement is diagonal or otherwise irregular.

Mohl1 in 1 831 noted that the phloem in the stem of Calamus
was normally divided into two distinct groups, and Kny 2 as well as
other authors have since found the same arrangement in a number
of palms. By the study of many sections, the writer has demon-
strated that a cocoanut fiber with two phloem, groups has also a
double xylem, although in most sections no separation is evident,
and the whole fiber consists of two simple bundles united side by
side, which may completely separate further on in their course by
the forking of the fiber.

Serial sections cut through such compound fibers show that at
the place of forking the phloem groups are still further separated
and the xylem also is divided by bast-fibers, thus forming two dis-
tinct bundles which pass into the two branches. The phloem in
each branch is at first entire, but further on, if the branch is large
it usually divides, and still further on the whole bundle may split
up, with the formation again of two fibers. Occasionally a fiber
which has no evident division of the xylem has four groups
indicating that the fiber is composed of four united bundles, which,
on branching, form two fibers each with a double bundle.

Large fibers not only fork but also send off small lateral
branches. The rudimentary bundles belonging to such branches
may often be seen in cross sections of the trunk fiber below the
place of branching {Fig. 5, a).

a. Stegmata {Figs. 5 and 6, ste). — As seen in surface view these
are circular or elliptical cells from -008 to -020 m.m. in diameter,,
which extend in longitudinal rows over the surface of the fibers.
Longitudinal sections show that the cells are biconvex, fitting into
depressions in the bast-fibers, and that the outer walls are exceed,
ingly thin, while the inner and side walls are strongly thickened,

1 De Palmarum Strudura, Translation in Ray Soc. Reports and Papers,
1849, p. 29-

2 VerhandL d. Bot. Ver. Prov. Brandenburg, Bd. xxiii, 1881, pp. 94-109.

Am. Jour. Pharm.
November, 1901.

Ffuit of Cocos Nitcifera.

545

thus bringing the cell cavity near the outer sufrace. Inclosed in
each cell and filling it almost completely, is a silicious body, from
•006 to -OI2 m.m, in diameter, with wart-like protuberances on the
surface which fit into corresponding depressions in the cell walls
(Fig. 7). That they are composed of silica is demonstrated by
their incombustibility, their insolubility in hydrochloric and nitric
acids and their complete solubility in hydrofluoric acid. Their
appearance is particularly striking in tangential sections which
have been heated on a cover glass until thoroughly carbonized and
finally treated with hydrochloric acid on the slide. The heating

FiG. 6. Longitudinal section of a large (mesocarp) fiber of the cocoanut.
ste, stegmata ; Si, silicious body ; f, bast fibers ; t, tracheids with small pits ; t',
tracheids with large pits ; sp, spiral trachea ; r, reticulated trachea ; sc, scalari-
form trachea ; s, sieve tube ; c and c\ cambiform cells. X 3°°-

should be performed at dull redness, since at a higher temperature
the bodies lose their characteristic appearance.

Wiesner 1 refers to these stegmata as
" bast parenchyma," and from his descrip-
tion it would appear that he considered
them silicifled cells and did not under-
stand that they are sclerenchymatized cells
with silicious contents. Von Hoehnel,2
who uses, however, the term " steg-
mata," also appears to have fallen into the same error.

Fig. 7. Silicious bodies
from the stegmata of cocoa-
nut fiber. X 1500.

1 Loc. cit, pp. 436-438.
a Loc. cit., p. 52.

546

Fruit of Cocos Nucifera.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
1 November, 1901.

Rosanoff1 found stegmata in twelve species of palms, and Kohl,2
who has made an exhaustive study of the subject, in twenty-three
additional species. Neither author mentions Cocos nucifeta, but
Kohl found in C. flexuosa stegmata with silicious contents which
answer the description of those in coir fiber.

ft. Bast-fibers (Figs, 5 and 6,f) completely surround the bundle.
They vary in length up to 2 m.m. and in diameter up to -03 m.m.
The double cell walls are from one-half to one-sixth the breadth of
the lumina, with conspicuous pores and diagonal markings. In
longitudinal section the walls adjoining the stegmata are sinuous
in outline, due to the depressions into which the stegmata are
fitted. On the edge of the xylem the bast-fibers pass into tracheids
(Fig.6,t).

y. Xylem (Fig. 5, x; Fig. 6). The elements are tracheae, tra-
cheids and various forms intermediate between tracheids and bast-
fibers, and tracheids and parenchyma.

The tracheae range in diameter up to -05 m.m., the larger (found
in large fibers) being reticulated (Fig. 6, r) or scalariform-reticulated
(sc), the smaller (found both in large and small fibers) being spiral
or reticulated spiral. Among the spiral tracheae one finds con-
siderable variation both as to their size and the steepness of their
spirals. As might be expected, those in the protoxylem often have
delicate spirals with turns wide apart. An intermediate form is
shown in Fig. 6 (sp).

The tracheids, distinguished from the tracheae by the transverse
or diagonal partitions and by their smaller size and thinner walls,
likewise display an interesting diversity of size and form. Among
these are forms with large pits and curious reticulations (Fig. 6, tr)
also transitional forms between tracheids and bast-fibers (t) on the
one hand, and tracheids and parenchyma on the other.

d Phloem. Sieve tubes and cambiform cells make up the
phloem (Fig. 5, ph).

Measured in cross sections, the diameters of the sieve tubes vary
up to -03 m.m. In longitudinal sections it may be seen that the
sieve plates are either at right angles to the walls or oblique and
that oftentimes they are covered with callus through which run a
few indistinct pores (Fig. 6, s).

1 Bot. Ztg., 1871, p. 749.

2 Kalksalze und Kieselsdure in der Pflanze, Marburg ; 1889, p 289.

Am. Jour. Pharni. \
November, 1901. i

Fruit of Co cos Nucifera.

547

Cambiform cells occur singly, in rows and in groups among the
sieve tubes and also at the edges of the phloem. Those among
the sieve tubes are for the most part small (about -003 m.m. in
diameter), prismatic and with abundant protoplasmic contents {Fig.
6, c1). They correspond to the " geleitzellen" of Wilhelm,
Tschirch 1 and other authors except that the walls adjoining the
sieve tubes, so far as the writer has observed, are not pitted.

At the edges of the phloem, particularly adjoining the xylem, the
cambiform cells are larger (often -oi m.m. in diameter) and are
often empty. The differences between these forms are, however, so
slight and perplexing that the writer, following the example of
De Bary and Strassburger, prefers to group them all under the
head of cambiform cells.

(e) Intercellular spaces, such as occur in the protoxylem of many
monocotyledinous plants, are seldom, if ever, seen in coir fibers, but
oftentimes, although less commonly than in the hard shell, the
phloem and part of the xylem are destroyed during growth, leav-
ing a channel in the bundle.

3. Endocarp.

This coat, known commonly as the shell (Fig. 8, end), is a dense
aggregation of stone cells, among which run longitudinally partially
destroyed bundles.

(a) The stone cells with their thick, deep yellow walls, branching
pores, the dark brown contents, present a striking and charac-
teristic appearance. They are either isodiametric or strongly
elongated, the latter (often 0 2 m.m. long) being usually spindle or
wedged-shaped, although hammer-shaped, hooked and various
other curious forms abound.

A study of sections show that the elongated cells are arranged
in groups, commonly with the longer diameters in tangential-trans-
verse directions and are best seen in cross sections of the shell
(Fig. 8, qst), but in some groups, particularly those adjoining the
bundles, they pass longitudinally about the shell (Fig. g, 1st). It is
evident from Fig. 8 that more than half of all the stone cells are
tangentially-transversely elongated. Those which appear isodia-
metric (1st) are partly cells which are isodiametric in three dimen-
sions and partly longitudinally elongated cells in section.

1 See Tsckirsck, Angewandte Pflanzenanatomie, Wien, 1889, p. 349.

Fig. 8. Transverse section of a cocoanut shell. End, endocarp or hard
shell ; Mes, adhering mesocarp ; T, adhering outer testa ; w, colorless paren-
chyma of mesocarp ground tissue ; br, same as w but impregnated with a
brown substance ; g, vascular bundles, in the endocarp with phloem and
xylem partially obliterated ; 1st, longitudinally elongated and isodiametric
stone cells ; qsf, transversely-elongated stone cells. X 60.

Am. Jour. Pharm. )
Xovember, 1901. i

Fruit of Co cos Nucifera.

549

Groups of thinner-walled cells with dark brown contents are
occasionally met with.

The brown contents of all the endocarp cells react the same as
the brown impregnating material of the mesocarp.

(b) Vascular bundles are studied with difficulty in the mature
shell. By the rupture of the phloem and part of the xylem dur-
ing growth, passages are formed, which, in shells transversely cut or

Fig. 9. Longitudinal-radial section of cocoanut endocarp through the stone
cells and edge of bundle, qst, transversely elongated and isodiametric stone
cells ; 1st, longitudinally elongated stone cells ; f, thick-walled porous cells ;
g, pitted trachea ; sp, spiral trachea. X 3°°

broken, are evident to the naked eye as minute holes. The struc-
ture of the bundles is still further obscured by the presence of fun-
gus threads and spores.

In structure the bundles differ from those of the mesocarp fiber
the bast-fibers being replaced by forms intermediate between fibers
and tracheids [Fig, Qrf\ The vascular elements are chiefly spiral

55o

Fruit of Cocos Nucifera.

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
I November, 1901.

tracheae (sp.), and pitted tracheae (g), the latter being especially
noticeable.

4. Testa.

Several microscopists have studied the testa, but, owing doubt-
less to differences in the material, hardly two of them agree as to
the number of coats or the character of the elements. The
description which follows is based on the examination of numerous
specimens.

Fig. 10. Tangential section of the onter testa of the cocoanut showing the
ground tissue of thick-walled porous cells. Most of these are empty, but a
few contain brown contents in the form of globules, (k) or films with circular
openings (v). st, colorless stone cell ; sp, spiral trachea. X 300.

(a) Outer testa. This coat consists of a ground tissue of large,
variously shaped cells, crossing one another in all directions (Fig.
8, 7] Fig. 10), between which ramify the veins.

Most of the ground tissue cells have colorless double walls, from
•004 to 'Oio m.m. thick, with conspicuous (sometimes large) pores,
but^in the inner layers they often have thinner walls without evi-
dent pores and except for their shape bear no resemblance to the
other cells.

Am. 1 our. Pharm. \
November, 1901. J

Fruit of Cocos Nucifera.

551

As a rule, the cells are empty, but some here and there contain
a brown substance apparently the same as is contained in the meso-
carp and endocarp, which often takes the form of spheres {Fig. 10,
k), disks, or films with circular openings (v).

Colorless stone cells (Fig. 10, st) are present in the outer layers and
contrast strikingly with the deep yellow stone cells of the endocarp.

The conspicuous elements of the veins are spiral tracheae, pitted
tracheae and elongated cells intermediate between pitted tracheae
and the porous cells of the ground tissue, and are not distinguish-
able from the same elements of the endocarp bundles. (See Fig. p,
spy g and f.)

In breaking away the meat, the separation is through the middle
of the veins and the inner layers of the outer testa, nearly all the
ground tissue and about half of the vascular elements remaining
on the inner surface of the shell.

{b) Inner testa. Firmly attached to the endosperm are from ten
to twenty layers of small isodiametric or slightly elongated cells.
The double walls are about -003 m.m. thick and free from pores.
These cells contain a material varying in color from light yellow to
dark brown, which either fills them completely or occurs in
globules, films, etc., as in some of the cells of the outer testa. In
the layer adjoining the endosperm the cells are smaller and have
darker brown contents than the cells in the other layers.

5. Endosperm.

Although the microscopic character of the endosperm has been
fully explained by Harz, Hanausek and Moeller, a brief description
is here given to accompany the descriptions of the other parts of
the fruit.

In the outer layers the prismatic cells are nearly isodiametric
(about -05 m.m. in diameter), but further inward they are radially
elongated, often reaching a length of -3 m.m. Cell partitions are
about -003 m.m. thick, without pores.

The cells contain bundles of needle-shaped fat crystals and
lumps of proteid matter, each lump containing, as a rule, a crys-
talloid. Ether and alcohol readily dissolve the fat crystals and
strong potassium hydrate solution saponifies them. The proteid
bodies give the usual color reactions with iodine, Millon's reagent
and dyes.

552

Fruit of Co cos Nucifera.

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
(. Xovember, 1901.

III. THE DETECTION OF POWDERED COCOANUT SHELLS IN GROUND

SPICES.

The adulteration of ground spices with powdered cocoanut shells
was brought to notice in 1885 by W. H. Ellis,1 public analyst,
Toronto, Canada, and has since been frequently detected by A.
McGill2 of Ottawa and food analysts in different parts of the
United States.

The extent to which this fraud is practiced is indicated by the
following summary of results obtained by the writer during the
years 1896-7 in the examination of samples collected in the State
of Connecticut.

Black

pepper. Cloves. Allspice.

Samples examined 147 37 24

Samples adulterated (total) 47 17 11

Samples adulterated with ground cocoanut shells, 21 7 6

It is stated on credible authority that in Philadelphia at the pres-
ent time about six hundred tons of shells, obtained as a by-pro-
duct in the preparation of dessicated cocoanut — an article much
used in pastries and confectionery — are annually reduced to a
powder in mills of peculiar construction and sold to spice grinders.
This powder, without further treatment, is mixed with ground
allspice, which it closely resembles in appearance. By cautious
roasting the color of ground cloves and nutmegs is matched, and
by roasting at a higher temperature a charcoal is obtained which,
mixed with starchy matter, is a clever imitation of black pepper.

Powdered cocoanut shells appears to be a distinctively American
adulterant. The leading treatises on the microscopy of foods in
the German, French and English languages, even those of recent
publication, make no mention of it, and a number of prominent
European food chemists and microscopists have declared to the
writer that they had never heard of its use. On the other hand,
cocoanut cake (the residue from the oil presses), which in Europe is
commonly employed, both as a cattle food and as an adulterant of
human foods, is almost unknown in America.

All the tissue elements of the mesocarp, the endocarp and the

1 Dept. Inland Revenue, Rep. on Adult, of Food for 1885, Ottawa, 1886, pp.
67, 79-

2 Laboratory of the Inland Rev. Dept., Bull. No. 20, 1890, pp. 7-1 1.

Am. Jour. Pharm.l
November, 1901. J

Fniit of Cocos Nucifera,

553

outer testa are present in cocoanut shell powder, but the stone cells
of the endocarp make up the bulk of the material. {Fig. ir, st).
These cells are characterized by their porous, brown-yellow cell
walls, their dark brown contents which become a reddish brown on
treatment with potassium hydrate solution, and the predominance
of peculiar elongated forms. They differ in one or more of these
characteristics from the stone cells of pepper, allspice, clove stems,
walnut shells, almond shells, Brazil-nut shells, hazel-nut shells,
peach stones and olive stones.

The outer testa, or lining of the shell, also forms a considerable
part of the powder, the most striking elements being the thick-
walled, porous cells (p) and the vascular elements.

Fig. ii. Cocoanut shell powder, st, dark yellow stone cells with brown
contents ; t, reticulated trachea ; sp, spiral trachea ; g, pitted trachea ; w,
colorless and br, brown parenchyma of mesocarp ; f, bast-fibers with stegmata
(ste). X "160.

Colorless cells of the mesocarp ground tissue (w) are not dis-
tinguishable from the parenchyma of many other plants, but when
impregnated with the brown substance which has been described
they are striking objects (br). Potassium hydrate changes the color
of these brown cells to a reddish brown, but ferric chloride does
not produce any immediate effect, thus distinguishing them from
cells of allspice seed, the color of which potassium hydrate removes
and ferric chloride changes at once to a green.

Spiral, reticulated, and pitted tracheae (sp, t and g\ from the
mesocarp, endocarp and testa bundles, are also frequently met with

554

Fruit of Cocos Nucifera.

I Am. Jour. Pharm
l November, 1901.

in the powder, the pitted trachea being quite unlike any vascular
elements of the spices.

The stegmata (ste) of the mesocarp fibers with their silicious con-
tents are characteristic, but they are difficult to find owing to the
great preponderance of other tissues. Bast-fibers (/) are more
liable to be encountered than the stegmata, but they furnish less
conclusive evidence.

Spices adulterated with charred cocoanut shells show under the
microscope black, opaque fragments which are not bleached by
aqua regia or nitric acid and potassium chlorate. Except in cases
where some of the stone cells or other elements have escaped char-
ring, this material cannot be distinguished from other forms of
charcoal.

Black
Pepper.
(Av. of 14
Analyses.)

Cloves.
(Av. of 8
Analyses).

Allspice.

(Av. of 3
Analyses )

Nutmeg.
(Av. of 3
Analyses.)

Cocoanut
Shells. (1
Analysis.)

Per Cent.

1 1 '96

7-81

9-78

3-63

7'36

476

5'92

4*47

2-28

o'54

Ash soluble in water

2"54

3-58

2-47

o-86

0-50

Ash insoluble in hydrochloric acid

0-47

006

0-03

0-00

o'oo

Volatile ether-extract

114

19-18

4'°5

3-02

O'OO

8-42

6-49

5-84

36-70

0-25

9-62

14-87

11-97

10-77

Reducing matters by direct inver-

38-63

8-99

18-03

25-56

20-88

Starch by diastase method ....

34*15

274

3-04

23-72

o'7S

13-06

8-io

22-39

2-51

56-19

2*26

0-99

0-92

1-08

o'i8

Oxygen absorbed by aqueous ex-

2 '33

1-24

0-2J

Quercitannic acid equivalent to O.

18-19

9 71

1S2

Chemical analysis is a valuable adjunct to the microscopic ex-
amination and often determines approximately the extent of the
adulteration, but since other nut shells have a similar composition,
the microscope is essential for the identification of the particular
adulterant present. As was pointed out by the writer1 five years

1 Conn. Agr. Expt. Sta., Rep. 1896, p. 34.

^ovemberfioE1'} Laboratory Notes. 555

ago, the crude fiber obtained in the process of analysis is partic-
ularly suited for the microscopic detection of stone cells and other
tissues.

The radical difference in composition between cocoanut shells
and the spices to which they are added is shown , by the results in
the table on the preceding page by Winton, Ogden and Mitchell.1

In conclusion, the author takes this opportunity to thank his
highly esteemed instructor, Prof. Dr. Josef Moeller of Graz Univer-
sity, Austria, for kindly assistance in the early part of this investi-
gation. The work was begun in Professor Moeller's laboratory
during the autumn of 1899, but after a year's interruption was
finished at this station.

Acknowledgment is also due Prof. E. Gale of Mangonia, Florida,
who generously furnished material for study, and also Herr F. X.
Matalony, of Vienna, who skillfully reproduced on wood the author's
drawings.

LABORATORY NOTES.
By Robert C. Pursbi* and Wizard R. Graham.

Jaborandi Leaves. — The standard for the alkaloidal content of
Jaborandi leaves has been set by the majority of manufacturers at
0-35 per cent, acid titration. During the past year nearly all of the
samples submitted, answered the above requirement. Several
samples, however, did not, as may be seen by the following data :

Six samples assayed between o-i/ and 0-28 per cent, of alkaloids,
the average being 0-24 per cent.

All of the other samples contained a great many stems. The
latter, when separated from the leaves of sample No. 5, were found
to amount to 23*83 per cent.

Hydrastis Canadensis.— -Several samples ol golden seal were
assayed, ether being employed in each case to dissolve the hydras-
tine, with the following results :

Five samples yielded between 276 and 4-16 per cent, of hydras-
tine by weight, the average being 3 47 per cent.

Carthagena Ipecac. — The following assays of Carthagena Ipecac
tend to show that it is equal, if not superior, to the Rio variety in
alkaloidal contents.

1 Ibid., Rep. 1898, pp. 198-211.

556

Laboratory Notes.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
I November, 1901.

Nineteen samples gave between 1-92 and 2-36 per cent, of total
alkaloids in fresh drug, or calculated on moisture-free drug between
2-19 and 2*54 per cent.

Glycerin. — Several carloads of glycerin, obtained from one of
the largest manufacturers in the country, have been examined
recently. Aside from the trace of fatty acids it contained, it an-
swered the U.S.P. requirements. It answered the U.S. P. tests for
sugars, but when allowed to stand longer than six hours (from
twelve to sixteen hours in the cold), it reduced Fehling's solution.
For pharmaceutical purposes this probably would not be detri-
mental, but when used for preparing certain test-solutions that are
in turn used for the detection of sugar in urine, the results might be
very unsatisfactory for all parties concerned.

Soluble Blue. — Several samples of soluble blue were offered at a
price much lower than we had been paying. Upon examination it
was found to consist almost entirely of ultramarine blue, only a
small per cent, being soluble. As there is a difference of about 25
cents per pound between the two (ultramarine being the cheaper)
these parties, if they could have sold enough of their products,
would, in a short time, have been millionaires.

Belladonna Leaves. — We have several times heretofore reported
the alkaloidal content of belladonna leaves to be above the standard
{i. £.,035 per cent, total alkaloids by acid titration) adopted by
manufacturers whose drugs are bought and sold upon the assay.
Recently several samples were offered for sale and upon being
assayed, they were found to be away below the standard. In ap-
pearance the leaves were very fine.

The analysis of nine samples gave between o-io and o-22 per
cent, of total alkaloids by acid titration, the average being 0-13
per cent.

Tannin Commercial. — A sample of tannin commercial was offered
for sale at 35 cents per pound. As this was an exceedingly low price
for this product, our suspicions were at once aroused and upon being
assayed, it was found to contain 57-80 per cent, of tannin. In ap-
pearance it resembled finely powdered nut galls ; this conclusion
was confirmed by the per cent, of tannin it contained.

Yellow Wax. — Quite a few of the samples of yellow wax ex-
amined during the past year have been found to be adulterated in one
way or another. The following table of constants shows the varia-
tions in the different samples :

Am. Jour. Pharm.\
2s oven, ber, 1901. J

Olive Oil.

557

No. of
Sample

Specific
Gravity
at 15° C.

Melting
Point.

Acid
Value.

Saponifi-
cation
Value.

Ester
Value.

Adulterant.

0-9437

62° C.

1374

59-48

45-74

Paraffin.

0-9120

6i° C.

1077

56-78

46 01

0-9340

65° c.

6-36

30*72

24-36

0-9548

63-5° c.

19-16

99-92

80-76

0-9560

63-5° c.

19-11

95 '53

76*42

0-9483

64° c.

27-14

102-36

75*22

Stearic acid paraffin.

0-9463

63° c.

24*31

95-00

70-69

o-954o

64° c.

19-50

93'33

73*8o

0-9520

52° C

14-62

70-86

56-24

f Paraffin, tallow, yellow
\ ochre.

0-95I5

63-5° c.

24-20

97-12

79-92

Stearic acid.

As may readily be seen by the above table, several samples are
abnormal. When paraffin is used the acid value is naturally reduced;
the latter is then brought up by the addition of stearin ; usually in
this case, too much is added, which makes the acid value abnorm-
ally high.

Laboratory of Smith, Kline & French Co.
Philadelphia.

SOME NOTES ON OLIVE OIL.1
By C. F. G. Meyer, Jr.

The olive tree is believed by some to be indigenous to Asia and
the seeds, being carried by migratory birds to the Mediterranean
regions, grew into a wild tree called the oliaster, having a kind
of thorn and short leaves and producing but a very small berry.
This variety has been carefully cultivated and is now known as the
sativa, which has a lanceolated leaf and bears a larger fruit.

The olive tree prospers best in a calcareous, gravelly and dry
soil on precipitous slopes which could be used for no other fruit,
bearing trees. It is a fruit tree of the highest order, but a great
deal of care must be given it in order to obtain the best results.

1 [The above article by Mr. Meyer -was prepared at the request of Joseph L.
Lemberger, Ph.M., of Lebanon, Pa., who communicated the same to this
Journal . — Editor. ]

CCg Olive Oil /Am. Jour. Pb ami.

->->° wiiue WU. | November, 1901.

The average life of an olive tree is about one hundred years, but
it may continue to bear fruit for a great many years after that age.
It attains its full bearing capacity at about forty years, so that he
who plants the tree does so more for posterity than for his own
use, hence the old Tuscan proverb, Vile di mio padre, olive di mio
nonno, which, freely translated, means, " The vineyard from my
father ; the olive yard from my grandfather."

When the tree has reached its maturity it is about 25 feet in
height, has a very large trunk with widespreading branches, and
small white flowers which grow in clusters, giving the tree a most
beautiful appearance during the early spring months.

THE OLIVE AND ITS HARVEST.

The olives which are intended for preserving are picked early in
September while they are still green, while those which are
intended for oil are left until November, or even until the following
year, by which time they have turned from a light green to an
almost black color.

The oil pressed from the olives gathered in midwinter is pre-
ferred on account of its keeping properties ; but the reason for an
early harvest is that the insects have less chance to propagate in the
fruit and that the new shoots which are to bear fruit the following
year have not started and are thus safe from all injury.

The critical period of the olive is during the month of October
when the fruit changes color, as in event of heavy rains or strong
winds it is liable to be seriously damaged and it is therefore neces-
sary to have experienced men constantly looking after the olive
trees and to gather the nearly ripe fruit to prevent its being affected
by these causes.

In former years the crops were gathered by women and children,
who carelessly knocked down the fruit with long poles and in that
way seriously damaged the berries so that they were unfit for mak-
ing the finer grades of olive oil.

Nowadays, the olives are harvested by experienced men assisted
by women and children. At first the ground around the tree is
covered with large sheets of muslin to prevent the olive from be-
ing bruised when falling to the ground, as well as to protect them
from the dirt which would greatly diminish the quality of the oil
produced. The trees are then carefully shaken to bring down the
ripe fruit.

Am. Jour. Pharm. 1
November, 1901. J

Olive OH.

559

After this shaking there are still some olives remaining on the
tree. These are either hand-picked or are knocked down by gently
tapping the branches with a long pole. When the fruit is all down it
is gathered into large bags in which it is carried to the mill.

THE MILLS USED IN GRINDING THE FRUIT.

The mills in use today for the crushing of olives are very similar
to those used for many centuries. One of the largest oil mills,
situated in the suburbs of Nice, France, and which has been in
possession of the family of the present owner for a great many
years, is still being used with perfect satisfaction.

THE GRINDING OF THE OLIVES.

The olives are thrown into large stone crushers very similar to
the chasers today used by the spice millers, with beveled edged
millstones to fit the concave bottom of the container. The mill-
stones are attached to a horizontal bar erected in the centre of the
bowl, and it is by means of this bar that the stones are revolved.
Some mills are operated by steam power, but more certain and
satisfactory results are obtained by animal power, which is gener-
ally used, as the olives require slow and careful handling.

The millstones can be regulated so as not to crush the stone
but simply to reduce the fruit to a paste-like substance.

After this has been accomplished the paste is transferred to
flattish round bags loosely woven of grass and in which it is taken
to the presses. These bags are so constructed that they will allow
none of the pulp but only the oil to pass through them.

THE PRESSES AND HOW THEY ARE USED.

These bags are then placed on wooden platters of a trifle larger
diameter, having handles on both sides, and are thus placed under
the presses which are manipulated on very much the same order
as our modern cider presses. The oil is forced out of the bags and
caught up by drains which lead into large vats. Warm water is
often poured through the presses so as to assist the flow of the oil,
and when it reaches the vat the oil can easily be skimmed off of
the water.

QUALITY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR.

The finest quality of olive oil is that obtained from the first press-
ing and this is known as the (oho di polpa) pulp oil, or " Virgin
oil," and contains nothing but the pure juice of the olive.

560

Olive Oil.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ November. 1901.

This oil is used for table purposes only, while that obtained from
subsequent pressings of the residue, and which is a very inferior oil,
is used in making soaps, liniments and lubricants.

The refuse which remains after the oil has all been extracted is
used as a fuel or for manuring purposes.

THE ADULTERATION AND PRESERVATION OF OLIVE OIL.

Fraud is often practiced in the manufacture of olive oil, by
taking olives which are not of a prime quality, or which have be-
come mouldy, and adding leaves of the olive tree or seed oil to the
pulp while it is being ground. These blend perfectly with the oil.

To keep olive oil in good condition the clear oil must be sepa-
rated from the turbid at once, for the longer it remains in the lees
the more apt it is to become rancid, as it absorbs oxygen rapidly
and will soon reach a condition unfit for food. * The original state
can, however, be restored, as a general rule, by washing the oil with
alcohol, or by using lime water in equal proportions. It congeals
very easily when exposed to a low temperature, but by applying a
little heat it will return to its original liquid state.

VARIETIES AND TESTS OF OLIVE OIL.

Olive oil varies greatly according to its physical characteristics,
the finer quality, or " Virgin oil," having a pale yellow color with a
slightly greenish tinge and only a very delicate odor, while inferior
qualities have a more pronounced greenish color, a very unpleasant
odor and a decidedly acrid taste.

The specific gravity of olive oil varies from 0-915 to 0-918 at 15 0
C. When heated to about 120° it becomes lighter in color; at
220° it is almost colorless, and at 31 5° it boils and produces a very
disagreeable, rancid odor.

One of the principal adulterants is cottonseed oil, but rape oil is
also used to a very large extent. Olive oil is slightly soluble in
alcohol and dissolves very readily in ether, chloroform or carbon-
disulphide.

One of the best tests for olive oil is the following, called —

BECHI'S TEST.

If 5 c.c. of the oil be thoroughly shaken in a test-tube with 5 c.c.
of an alcoholic solution of silver nitrate (prepared by dissolving ^

Am. Jour. Pbarm. \
November, 1901. j

Coagulation of Cows Milk.

56i

gramme of silver nitrate in 10 c.c. of deodorized alcohol and adding
two drops of nitric acid to the mixture) and heated for about
five minutes in a water-bath, the oil should retain its original color,
not becoming reddish or brown, nor should any dark color be pro-
duced at the line of contact of the two liquids (absence of more
than 5 per cent of cottonseed oil or any other foreign oils).

Another test for this oil is known as the " elaidin re-action,"
which is as follows :

If 10 c.c. of the oil be shaken frequently during two hours with
a freshly prepared solution of I gramme of mercury in 3 c.c. of
nitric acid a perfectly solid mass of a pale straw color will be
obtained.

There are numerous other tests for olive oil but the above
mentioned will give satisfactory results.

THE INFLUENCE OF CEREAL DECOCTIONS ON THE
COAGULATION OF COWS' MILK.
By Charges H. La Waix.

For some years past it has been recognized by eminent authori-
ties on dietetics that cereal decoctions, when added to cows' milk,
play an important part in modifying the character of the curds
which are formed when the casein is coagulated by the hydrochloric
acid in the gastric juice.

The greatest difference between human milk and cows' milk has
been shown to exist in the character of the curds which are formed
by the addition of a coagulating agent ; human milk forming fine
flocculent coagula while cows' milk forms tough cheesy masses.

Many prominent pediatrists have long realized the value of cereal
decoctions in the modification of cows' milk, and such men as
Chapin, Heubner, Jacobi, Starr and Smith have openly advocated
their use.

There has been some difference of opinion, however, as to whether
conversion of the cereals has any modifying influence on the char-
acter of the curd, and this subject was taken up and thoroughly
investigated by Dr. Franklin W. White about a year ago, with
results which were summarized as follows : —

(1) Dilution of milk with cereal decoctions of proper strength renders the
casein curd much more fine, soft and digestible than simple dilution with
water. There is no difference in the action of various cereals, such as barley,
oats, rice or wheat.

562

Southern Prickly Ash Bark.

(Am. Jour. Pharm.
I November. 1901.

(2) The above property is due mainly, if not wholly, to the starch in solution,
the most desirable amount of starch in the milk mixture for practical use is
approximately three-fourths per cent.

(3) Diastase, by converting the starch to dextrine and maltose, promptly
lessens and removes the action of cereal waters upon casein. Its addition,
therefore, is not a practical measure when the action upon the curd is desired.

(4) Albumen water has no practical value as a diluent of milk.

(5) Lime water added to milk has no more effect than water upon the char-
acter of the curd produced in the animal stomach.— Journal Boston Society oj
Medical Science, December 4, 1900.

The following specimen tubes have been prepared in illustration

of these facts : —

No. 1. Plain cows' milk, coagulated with HC1.

No. 2. Cows' milk and water (equal parts), coagulated with HC1.

No. 3. Cows' milk and cereal decoction, coagulated with HC1. Starch con-
verted before coagulating.

No. 4. Cows' milk and cereal decoction (equal parts), coagulated with HC1.
Starch converted after coagulating.

No. 5. Cows' milk and cereal decoction (equal parts), coagulated with HC1.
Cereal decoction made from baked cereal flour.

No. 6. Cows' milk and cereal decoction (equal parts), coagulated with HC1.
Cereal decoction made from arrowroot.

The curds in Nos. I, 2 and 3 are seen to be in tough, cheesy

masses, which would prove difficult of digestion even in the stomach

of an adult.

The curds in Nos. 4, 5 and 6, on the contrary, are seen to occur
in fine flocculent particles which would be easily attacked by the
digestive enzymes.

The coagulation was accomplished by bringing the milk or milk
mixture to a temperature of ioo° F. and adding diluted HCL,
several drops at a time, shaking after each addition, until the total
acidity reaches 0-257 per cent, which is that of the normal human
stomach.

The cereal decoctions were made by boiling the cereals for five
minutes with water, regulating the amount so that the finished
decoction contained 3 per cent, of starch.

NOTE ON SOUTHERN PRICKLY ASH BARK.

By W. L. Cufff.
As is well known the Pharmacopoeia recognizes two varieties ot
prickly ash bark ; one being the product of Xanthoxylum Ameri-
canum, and the other Xanthoxylum Clava-Herculis, of which the

ANoVimbef,hi9or"} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 563

specimen I am enabled to present to the museum of this college
through the courtesy of Mr. Robert Pursel, is a remarkably distinct
example. In this part of the United States it has been the general
custom to use the Northern, or X. Americanum, in the manufacture
of pharmaceutical preparations ; this selection being due, no doubt,
to the fact that this variety is generally supplied by jobbers upon
orders for "prickly ash bark."

There is a wide difference in the pharmacological value of the
two barks; the southern or X. Clava-Hercules being far richer in
the extractives which give the bark its medicinal value. As a prac-
tical illustration of this difference I have prepared two samples of
the wine from typical specimens of each variety, and the color,
pungency and bitterness are easily differentiated upon comparison.
This difference is also readily noted upon chewing a portion of each
variety. Another point noted in the manufacture of the wine, which
is a 50 per cent, preparation, is that in the case of the northern
variety a fairly good exhaustion of the drug is secured by good
sherry, but in the case of the southern variety simply saturation
occurs without thorough exhaustion, and the marc retains distinct
identity.

Prickly ash has been prescribed frequently in Philadelphia as a
uterine tonic and stimulant and also used externally as a counter-
irritant and for all its therapeutic uses the southern prickly ash
would seem to be more satisfactory than its northern relative.

Philadelphia, October 15, 1901.

RECENT LITERATURE RELATING TO PHARMACY.

VALUATION OF NEW REMEDIES.

Professor Kobert, of Rostock, read a striking paper on the above
subject at the German Naturalists' Convention (Aerzt. Vereinsblatt
fur Deutsche 1900, 435). He calls attention to the ever-increasing
number of new remedies, their personal literature teeming with
highly embellished testimonials, and withal how very little the prac-
ticing physician knows of their real value. He then asks if authori-
tative judgment of these remedies based on clinic, chemical and
pharmacological examinations is possible, and how such judgment
is best obtained.

564 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy.

Jour. Pharm.
ovember, 1901.

The unsupported word of the medical press can be scarcely taken
as their opinions are too strongly influenced by their advertising
pages and reports of individual workers are of little value, as the
finding of such data means search through a hundred journals.

What the practitioner needs is an authoritative publication relat-
ing to this subject and to this subject only, and entirely uninfluenced
by advertisements.

How can this be accomplished ?

The writer hopes to see the day when the paternal German gov-
ernment will establish an institute of medical testing, similar to the
present Imperial Serum-Testing Institute, and like the pure food
laboratories scattered throughout his country; that at this institute
all new remedies be tested chemically, clinically and pharmacologi-
cally, and that only those medicaments receiving the approval of the
institute be permitted sale in the empire.

That failing (or postponed) he suggests that the reform be
inaugurated by the Naturalists' Society ; that this association seek
the aid of its members and others — pharmacologists, surgeons,
gynecologists and other medical specialists, chemists, bacteriologists,
etc., begging reports on each new medicine they have used. A
committee is then to compile the data received and publish same for
the benefit of the medical profession. It is assumed that physicians
will then prescribe only those medicines recommended by the asso-
ciation— a rather doubtful assumption. H. V. Arny.

OVULA GLYCERINI.

Por gynecological purposes, round suppositories containing about
16 grammes glycerin and appropriate medicaments are popular in
France. The base of these are made, according to J. Hofmann, as
follows: Fifty grammes gelatin is mixed with 100 grammes water
and 250 grammes glycerin, warmed on water bath till dissolved and
the water has evaporated, an addition 150 grammes glycerin added,
as well as the medicating agent, and the melted mass poured into
moulds and allowed to solidify. — Ph. Weekbl. through Schw. Woch. f.
Ch. u. Ph., 1901, 143. H. V. A.

CRYOSCOPY.

An interesting resume of this study, which is destined to have
pharmaceutical importance, is found in a paper by Ardin Delteil
{Schw. Woch. Ch. u. Ph., 1901, 195) in which the significance of

^vemberSi10'} Re cent' Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 565

comparison of the freezing point of a solution with that of its sol-
vent alone, is traced in historical order.

Raoult's law (depression of freezing point is directly proportioned
to amount of solids dissolved) ; the discovery that equi-molecular
solutions have the same depression of freezing point ; the value of
this fact in estimating molecular weights are all noted in the paper,
but omitted here, as details can be found in any text-book on physi-
cal chemistry. In the paper particular stress is laid on the fact that
depression of freezing point of a solution is in direct proportion to
the osmotic pressure of same, hence by reading freezing point de-
pression of a liquid, we learn its osmotic pressure. This measure-
ment of osmotic pressure is of great value in physiological chemistry,
and the estimation of depression of freezing point introduced by
Dreser in 1891 has now become an essential part of the clinical ex-
amination of the liquids of the organism, such as blood, serum,
urine, lymph, milk saliva, sweat, etc. It is interesting to note that
all the physiological liquids save urine, have about the same freez-
ing point depression (hence same osmotic pressure) as blood serum;
that is, in the normal state of the organism, all its natural liquids
are in physical equilibrium.

Cryoscopy is of interest to pharmacists inasmuch as the measure-
ment of freezing point is becoming a necessary part of urine exam-
ination. H. V. A.

SPURIOUS SANDARAC.

R. Haneke (Pharm. Jy, 1900, p. 79), reports on a fictitious sandarac
of Spanish origin. Physically it was an exceedingly fine specimen,
consisting of elongated and rounded tears, pale lemon-yellow in
color. On chewing, it adhered to the teeth, and melted at the
temperature of the water bath, while sandarac is not materially
changed at 1 300 C. (Some varieties of colophony possess as high
a melting point as 1 35 0 C, L. F. K.). Sandarac has an acid num-
ber varying from 1 36-140. (The acid number of colophony varies
from 130 to 181, L. F. K.). The above sample's acid number was
169. From the above date and etc., behavior towards solvents
there is little doubt but that the specimen consisted of colophony.

L. F. Kebler.

FOOD VALUE OF EXTRACT OF MEAT.

L. Furst, (Chem. Ztg.y 24, 994,) reviews the statement made by
a number of authorities relative to the true nutritive constituents

566 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. {^yemberTiloL1'

of meat extracts and comes to the already generally accepted con-
clusion that the aibumoses, peptones and albumins are present in
too small quantities to serve of any value as foods. The small
quantity usually taken can have nothing more than a stimulating
effect. L. F. K.

PHENYLETHYL ALCOHOL IN ROSE OIL.

It has been the common experience of all investigators of steam
distilled rose oil to find that it contained only a small percentage of
phenylethyl alcohol as compared with the large percentage con-
tained in extracted oils. (The steam oil is made from the fresh
leaves, the extracted oil usually from dried leaves, L. F. K.) Wal-
baium came to the conclusion that this alcohol was not developed
until the rose petals were dry. H. von Soden and W. Rojahn, Ber.
33, 3063, show that the phenylethyl alcohol zs quite soluble in the
aqueous distillate and in this way is generally lost. It can be ex-
tracted from the distilled vater by shaking out with ether. These
workers examined rose pomade made by the method of Hesse and
Miiller, Ber. iSgg,j2, 565 ; abstr. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind., 18, 1899,
396) viz., macerating fresh rose leaves with warm fat, this pomade
contained 0-56 per cent, of volatile oil; 46-5 per cent, of which
was phenylethyl alcohol. " Rose Pure'' a brownish yellow viscous
oil, obtained by extracting the petals with a volatile solvent, was
distilled with steam and the volatile oil thus obtained was found to
contain 25 per cent, of phenylethyl alcohol. This investigation
clearly shows that phenylethyl alcohol is a normal constituent of
fresh rose leaves, being formerly lost in the aqueous distillate. See
also this Journal, 1901, page 199. L. F. K.

OXIDATION OF ALOIN, BY MEANS OF POTASSIUM PERSULPHATE AND

CARO'S ACID.

E. Seel (Ber. 33, 3212) found that the action of potassium persul-
phate on aloin from Barbadoes aloes produced different oxidation
products, according to the quantity of reagent. An excess yields
a pale-red compound, apparently an unstable oxygen addition pro-
duct, in almost quantitative proportions. The same product is
obtained by electrolytically oxidizing aloin in dilute sulphuric acid
or by means of potassium percarbonate. Caro's reagent, sulphuric
acid and potassium persulphate {ZtscJi. augew. Chem., 1898, 845 );

xo'vimbeSoT'} Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. 567

or Baeyer's mixture of hydrogen peroxide and sulphuric acid (Ber.y
33, 124), produce a brownish-red powder from which chloroform
extracts tetrahydroxy-methyl-anthraquinone, C15H10O6. L. F. K.

CITRAL, DETERMINATION IN OIL OF LEMON.

E. J. Parry, (Ch. and Dr. 57, 1 900) replies to criticism contained in
Schimmers Semi. Ann. Rept., October 1900, 25, on his method for
estimating citral in lemon oil (Chem. and Drug., 36, 376). The
first objection raised is that as high as 1 per cent, of citral passes
over in distillations at very low pressures, this loss being made up or
exceeded by the limonene absorbed by the cyanacetic acid solution.
The second objection raised is that an exact reading of the volume
in the graduated portion of a Herschsohn's flask is impossible. In
reply to the first criticism the writer says that he has distilled many
samples of lemon oil at a pressure of 10 millimetres and possibly
below, but has never yet found any portion of the limonene to con-
tain more than the merest trace of citral. The second objection is
met by stating that the reading is not much more difficult than it
is in several other absorption processes. He reiterates that his
method gives more accurate results than any other thus far pro-
posed. L. F. K.

MAIZE IN WHEATEN FLOWER, DETECTION OF.

E. J. Bevan tested [Analyst, 23, 316). A. C. Wilson's method
and found it to give satisfactory results. The process is executed as
follows : mix the flour with clove oil and examine under the micro-
scope with a one-fourth or one-eighth objective. The hilum of
maize starch is indicated by a black dot or star while wheat and
other starches are practically invisible.

G. Embrey (Analyst, 23, 315) was unable to obtain satisfactory
results with Baumann's quantitative method (Ztsc/i. f. Untersuch.
Nahr. u. Gemussmittel 1899, 2, 2J). He therefore offers the following
modification : place o-2 grammes of the sample into a 1 5 cm. by 2 cm.
test tube, provided with a paraffined cork. Add 20 cc. of aqueous
potassium hydroxide (18 Gm. per litre), shake well for three
minutes, add twelve drops of ic per cent hydrochloric acid, then
introduce the tubes into a centrifugal and at whirl 600 revolutions
per minute. Transfer 1 cc. of the clear liquid into a Neesler tube,
dilute to 50 cc; add 1 cc. of iodine solution (I, 0-25 Gm. KI, 1

568 Recent Literature Relating to Pharmacy. {^vim^^ST

Gm. and water to 250 cc.) and shake well, on comparing the tint ob-
tained with the standard tints (made from known material) the per-
centage of adulteration can be ascertained within 5 per cent. A
method for making more exact determinations is also given.

L. F. K.

QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATION OF FORMALDEHYDE.

After experimentation with all suggested methods of formalde-
hyde assay, Utz {pilddtsch. Ap. Zt., 1901, 147) reports the following
as satisfactory: henberg's method, in which the sample is treated
with an aqueous solution of diphenylen-dihydrazin hydrochlorate,
and from the weight of the washed and dried crystals of composition,

C6H4HN — N = CH2

C6H4HN — N = CH

the quantity of formalin is deduced. This method gives best results
in a 1 to 1,000 solution.

Clowe's process, in which the formaldehyde is condensed with
phloroglucin, 4*6 parts of the dried solid representing 1 part of the
aldehyde.

Both these gravimetric processes prove tedious, hence a volu-
metric process is preferable, and of these the writer prefers the
Romijn and the ammonia processes. In Romijn's the liquid is
treated with the decinormal iodine and then with strong soda solu-
tion to a bright yellow tint. After ten minutes hydrochloric acid
is added until the liquid is brown and the free iodine is titrated with
decinormal thiosulphate. Two atoms iodine equals 1 molecule
formaldehyde.

The ammonia process, discussed by Kebler (see this Journal, 1898,
432), has been adopted by the German pharmacopoeia. Utz
denies the inaccuracy of the process complained of by Kebler,
claiming good results by allowing the mixture of ammonia and
formalin to stand an hour. H. V. A.

LOCATION OF ALKALOID IN VERATRUM ALBUM.

By microchemical alkaloidal reagents, viz., phosphotungstic acid
or ammonium molybdate, the active ingredients of Veratrum album
were sought for in the tissues of the plant, and were found practi-

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
November, 1901. J

Reviews.

569

cally only in the starch-bearing parenchyma cells of the rhizome
and the rootlets. The alkaloids are found most abundantly in the
older parts of the rhizome, attaining the minimum at the root cap.
The stem contains some alkaloid, also in the starch-bearing paren-
chyma, but the bulb scales and the leaves contain only traces.
This is out of harmony with the previous investigations of Borcon,
who claimed that the alkaloid was chiefly found in the cell walls of
the epidermis — an error in judgment, due to the use of concentrated
sulphuric acid as the reagent. — (Dr. Rinquist, Ph. Post, 1901, 117.)

H. V. A.

REVIEWS AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

Practical Text-Book of Plant Physiology. By Daniel Trembly
Macdougal. With 149 illustrations. London and Bombay : Long-
mans, Green & Co.

This work is intended to bring together the facts and theories
regarding plant physiology so that the student may profitably pursue
such investigation. The author has not only drawn from his own
resources but has obtained the fortunate cooperation of a number
of well-known American botanists in the preparation of certain
parts of the book. The following is a synopsis of the contents of
the work: (1) Nature and relations of an organism; (2) relation of
plants to mechanical forces; (3) influence of chemicals upon plants;
(4) relation of plants to water; (5) relation of plants to gravitation;
(6) relation of plants to temperature ; (7) relation of plants to elec-
tricity and other forms of energy; (8) relation of plants to light;
(9) composition of the body; (10) exchanges and movements of
fluids, (11) nutritive metabolism; (12) respiration, fermentation,
and digestion; (13) growth; (14) reproduction ; (15) an appendix
of tables; (16) an index.

It is extremely fortunate that the author has collaborated the
results of the various investigators in physiological botany and
brought them together in such a small volume. One of the most
wholesome lessons to be learned from a careful perusal of the book
is the extensive theorizing that is done in this branch of botany on
more or less isolated experiments and the careful work that is neces-
sary in order to develop the science of plant physiology. For in-
stance, in the portion on " the influence of chemicals on the toxicity

570

Reviews.

{Am, Jour. Pharm.
I November, 1901.

of certain substances ;" their retardation of plant growth is consid-
ered but no mention is made of the fact that these so-called toxic
substances may not only possess an inhibitory effect on plant growth
in one degree of concentration, but according to the varying strength
of the solution they may simply retard development temporarily, or
may stimulate activity or produce no effect whatsoever.

The Absolute Atomic Weights of the Chemical Elements,
established upon the analyses of the chemists of the nineteenth cen-
tury and demonstrating the unity of matter ; presented in simple
language to the general scientific public. By Gustavus Detlef Hin-
richs. St. Louis, Mo. : C. G. Hinrichs.

This work is divided into four parts, in which are considered: (i)
The errors of precision in atomic weight determinations ; (2) the
absolute atomic weight of ten leading elements ; (3) the absolute
atomic weights of boron and nitrogen ; (4) tabular view of the
atomic weight analyses of the nineteenth century.

The author shows the liability to error in taking the mean ot a
series of determinations as the basis of arriving at the true atomic
weight of the elements. In the note on the atomic weight of
arsenic (see this Journal, p. 497) the author has shown the precision
of his method.

The diamond has been taken as the standard of matter for all
atomic weight determinations, and the methods of direct oxidation
and reduction of the metals as employed by Berzelius and his pupils
are considered among the best methods for atomic weight deter-
minations. The labors of the author are deserving of careful con-
sideration. It is unfortunate, however, that he has not been
content simply to discuss the labors of Stas, Clarke and others.
While the language used in regard to various chemists may not
vitiate the facts, it will, however, tend to prevent their dissemination
as easily as otherwise might have been the case.

Die Serum-, Bakterientoxin- und Organ- Praparate. Ihre
Darstellung, Wirkungsweise und Anwendung. Fur Chemiker,
Apotheker, Aerzte, Bakteriologen, etc., dargestellt von Dr. Max v.
Waldheim. Wien, Pest, Leipzig : A. Hartleben's Verlag.

The remarkable discoveries in the past ten years in bacteriological,
physiological and chemical researches under the leadership of Pasteur,
Koch, Behring and others, has given us in blood serums, bacteria

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
iSTovember, 1901. /

Reviews.

571

toxins and organo-therapeutic preparations a remarkable class of
remedial agents in disease. Most of these results have been pub-
lished in the various journals or in special monographs. It is ex-
tremely satisfactory to have a work such as the present one of Dr.
Waldheim containing all these different results so that one can
familiarize oneself with these new preparations. The following sub-
jects are treated in this book : In Part I: Alkoholismus ; Blattern
(variola vera) ; Cholera; Diphtherie; Dysenterie ; Gelbfieber; Gono-
cocceninfection ; Kolibaccillose ; Krebs (carcinoma) und Sarcom ;
Kunstliche Sera, Medicamentbse Sera ; Lepra ; Lyssa, Tollwuth
(rabies); Pest; Pneumonie ; Pyocyaneusinfection ; Reconvalescenten-
blutserum ; Rhinosklerom ; Schangenbissvergiftung ; Staphyloccen-
infection ; Streptococceninfection ; Syphilis; Tetanus ; Tuberculose ;
Typhus. In Part II the following subjects relating to organo-thera-
peutics are considered : Blutbildungsorgane, embryonale ; Blutegel ;
Bronchialdrusen ; Eierstock; Gehirn; Gehirnanhang; Hoden (Brown-
Sequardine); Hornsubstanz ; Knochenmark ; Leber ; Lunge ; Milch-
drusen ; Milz; Muskeln; Mutterkuchen ; Nebennieren (glandulae
suprarenales) . Nebenschilddriisen ; Nieren ; Nukleinstoffe ; Ohr-
speicheldruse ; Pankreas ; Schilddriise; Schleimhaute.

An index arranged according to subjects and another according
to authors completes this valuable little work. The cost of the book
bound is 6 m., 80 ff. ; in a paper cover, 6 m.

Die Technik der Kosmetik. Handbuk der Fabrikation, Ver-
werthung und Priifung aller kosmetischen Stoffe und der kosmetis-
chen Specialitaten. Von Dr. Theodor Koller. Wien, Pest, Leipzig :
A. Hartleben's Verlag.

Inasmuch as the preparation of the various cosmetics is dependent
upon the application of the principles of chemistry and bacteriology
it is possible that this art may be developed as a branch of one of
the applied sciences. The field is peculiarly fertile and attractive
and those who are in any way interested in the subject will find the
work of Koller of great value. The following is a list of contents:
Die Aufgaben der Kosmetik ; Materialienkunde (under which are
given the various methods of preparations of odorous principles
and the chemical, animal and plant substances employed) ; Allge-
meine kosmetische Mittel (includes various preparations for the care
of the teeth and hair) ; kosmetische specialitaten ; Antiseptische

572

PJiarmaceutical Meeting.

( Am. Jour. Pharrn.
1 November, 1901.

Wasser und Seifen; kosmetische Toiletteseifen und hygienische
Seifen ; kosmetische Geheimmittel ; Priifung und Untersuchung von
in der kosmetischen Technik verwendten Stoffen.

The work contains numerous formulae as well as the general con-
sideration of the general principles involved in their preparation
and application.

PHARMACEUTICAL MEETING.

The first of the series of pharmaceutical meetings of the Phila-
delphia College of Pharmacy for 1 900- 1 901, was held on Tuesday,
October 15. Prof. C. B. Lowe presided, and in opening the meeting
stated that it was the desire of the committee having these meet-
ings in charge to make the present series even more useful than
their predecessors, presenting matters in particular relating to prac-
tical pharmacy, and urged all those present to co-operate in this
work. The programme was an interesting one and the first speaker
introduced was Dr. Jokichi Takamine, of New York City, who read
a paper on "Adrenalin the Active Principle of the Suprarenal
Glands and its Mode of Preparation." (See page 523.) The author
stated that he had succeeded in isolating adrenalin in a pure, stable
and crystalline form, which latter character he illustrated by means
of diagrams. Several of the characteristic tests for the substance
were carried out and also a diagram was exhibited showing the
effect of the substance on the blood-pressure.

In the discussion on this subject Dr. Lowe spoke of the influence
of the suprarenal glands on the vasomotor system and their use-
fulness in keeping up its tone. He said that until recently it had
not been well understood just how this influence was exerted, but
that now it was ascribed to adrenalin. He attributed its usefulness
in inflammation to its power of reducing the calibre of the vessels
and hence the amount of blood. In reply to a question by W. L.
Cliffe as to the keeping qualities of the solution in which form
adrenalin is generally sold, Dr. Takamine said that it might be com-
pared to cocaine in this respect, and that certain chemicals, such as
boric acid, are used to preserve the solutions. Sodium chloride is
also added to the solution so as to render it non-irritating in eye
and nose affections, this addition not being objectionable, particu-
larly in disease of the heart. With regard to the activity of adren-
alin the speaker stated that it was not poisonous and appeared to be

^ovembef.'iMj1, } Pharmaceutical Meeting. 573

perfectly inert when administered to persons in normal condition,
but when used with persons having a weak heart its effect was soon
noticed.

M. I. Wilbert, of the German Hospital, Philadelphia, read a paper
on " Digestive Ferments in Surgical Practice," and presented in con-
nection therewith a sample of a physiological solvent which is in
use at the Hospital and which he has designated as " Physol."
(See page 535.)

W. L Cliffe presented a " Note on Southern Prickly Ash Bark,"
and on behalf of Mr. Robert Pursell donated a fine specimen of the
drug to the college. (See page 562.)

Charles H. La Wall read a paper on " Coagulation of Cows' Milk
by Cereal Decoctions," which subject he illustrated by means of a
number of specimens. (See page 561.)

The next feature of the programme was an exhibition of speci-
mens of the adulterations of drugs, submitted by the Smith, Kline
& French Co. These specimens constituted the exhibit made by
this company at the St. Louis meeting of the American Pharma-
ceutical Association, and were described by Lyman F. Kebler.

In connection with this subject Evan T. Ellis read a letter from a
London firm to whom he had sent a quantity of peppermint oil,
which he had purchased from an American house, stating that the
oil contained 12-15 Per cent, of resin and was of a reddish color.
In remarking on this subject Mr. Kebler said that old oils were
likely to contain resin, but that the amount reported was large.
In regard to the color he said that it is quite common to find essen-
tial oils colored. This is due to the fact that if water be present in
the oils, it separates out in cold weather and rusts the containers,
thereby causing coloration of the oils.

Mr. LaWall exhibited a subliming vessel containing iodine, part
of which was sublimed and the remainder in the crude condition,
the sublimation having been carried on by means of the waste heat
from a boiler.

Before adjournment the chairman announced that Mr. Henry P.
Hynson, of Baltimore, would be present at the next meeting and
present a paper on " Modern Drug Store Methods," and also that
Mr. Wilbert would present a communication on a " Metric Medicine
Glass." Florence Yaple,

Secretary, pro tern.

574

College of Pharmacy.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
1 November, 1901.

PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY.

The semi-annual meeting of the members of the Philadelphia College of
Pharmacy was held September 30, 1901, the President, Howard B. French, in
the chair ; thirty-five members were present. The minutes of the quarterly
meeting held June 24th were read and approved. The minutes of the meeting
of the Board of Trustees for June were read by the Registrar, W. Nelson Stem,
and approved as read.

Mr. Stiles, for the delegates to the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion meeting held at Harvey's Lake, June 18-21, reported verbally, as a very full
report of that meeting had been published in the American Journal of
Pharmacy for September, page 446. Further report was unnecessary. In
addition to what had already been published Professor Remington alluded
to the good work that had been done by Joint Committees of the Pennsylvania
Medical Association and Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Association on free
dispensaries and that the Medical Association at the meeting recently held in
Philadelphia had unanimously adopted the plan proposed by the Joint Com-
mittee (see American Journal of Pharmacy, page 467). Credit was due
our fellow member, J. C. Perry, who was the author of the plan.

The report of the delegates to the American Pharmaceutical Association
held at St. Louis, September 15-20, was read by Professor Kraemer, as an ex-
tended report of the proceedings was published in the American Journal of
Pharmacy for October, page 482-510, he called especial attention to the fact that
as the next meeting will be held in Philadelphia in 1902 it would seem desirable
to appoint a committee to consider in what way, or ways, the College might
contribute to the success and interest of the meeting.

The suggestion was discussed by Messrs. Meyer, Lowe, Cliffe, Perry, Kraemer
and Remington, when Professor Remington offered the following resolution :
" That a committee of five be appointed by the chair to take into considera-
tion all matters pertaining to the meeting of the American Pharmaceutical
Association in 1902 in which the College may be 'interested," which was
adopted, and the chairman be requested to appoint the committee at his
leisure.

Mr. England, for the Committee on Nominations, reported that, in accord-
ance with Article VIII, Section 19, the following named gentlemen were pro-
posed for the three vacancies in the Board of Trustees, which would occur at
this meeting of the College — E. M. Boring, R. M. Shoemaker, Lawson C.
Funk, Charles Leedom and Walter A. Rumsey.

Election for three trustees being next in order, letters were read from
Messrs. Funk and Rumsey declining the nomination. There being no further
nominations, on motion of Mr. Gordon the Secretary was directed to cast an
affirmative ballot for Messrs. E. M. Boring, Richard M. Shoemaker and
Charles Leedom, for the term of three years. Melville W. Bamford and Lucien
Scott Kemp were unanimously elected to membership in the College.

The President expressed his pleasure at the larger number of members
present at the meeting.

C. A. Weidemann, M.D , Secretary.

THE AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY

DECEMBER, igoi.

MODERN EVIDENCES OF PHARMACEUTICAL PROGRESS
AND THEIR VALUE.

By Henry P. Hynson.

" Modern Drug Store Methods" was the title suggested for this
paper by the gentleman who kindly invited me to read it before
you. The suggestion conveyed to me not only his wishes regard-
ing the kind of matter I should present, but it told me just why I
happened to be so greatly honored ; yet, this very knowledge brings
me considerable embarrassment. It is because I have given so
freely of my little store during three consecutive years that I was
asked, and it is because I have given so freely during the same years
that the " well has gone dry."

If, therefore, I borrow much from the proceedings of the Ameri-
can Pharmaceutical Association — a rich store-house, by the way —
I trust I will be pardoned. It is better to present the old that is
good than the bad that is new.

Modern and improved pharmaceutical methods have developed
so gradually, and have been added to the whole in such regular
order, that their practical utility and helpfulness is often overlooked.
We must needs occasionally bring ourselves to a fair and sudden
realization of exactly what they are before we can place upon them
their individual or collective values. The question which, an-
swered, brings most satisfaction and comfort is not "What am I?"
but " What have I become?" The one is answered by a compari-
son with something I may be, the other by a comparison with what
I was. In the latter test the past is vividly brought before us, as in

(575)

576

Pharmaceutical Progress.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
X December, 1901.

panoramic view, recording history from which our conclusions must
be deduced.

Pictures and history, then, will offer us the standards by which
we are to value our attainments, notwithstanding the statement of
so great a writer and so great a critic as Lord Macaulay, who says,
"No picture and no history can present us with the whole truth "
— and, since it takes the master-hand to present enough of the
truth to make a comprehensive whole, the underling must content
himself with presenting the very commonplace in minute detail.

I will illustrate my apology by sketching in outline — very dark
outline — the " drug-store towel." It needs but a few strokes to show
it to you — possibly hanging, oftener lying around in almost any posi-
tion upon the prescription counter. It looks lonely, because there
are so few, or none, perhaps, to take its place. Its history, so freely
written, adds nothing to its credit. The few strokes I have made
are sufficient for the towel ; but a better subject needs better work,
and I present a properly dressed dispenser, with two towels
attached to his clothing — one large and absorbent, the other small
and fine, for finishing. These are his, have his mark on them.
He owns several other sets, which he may have laundered as often
as he pleases. You will notice that this picture is much more attrac-
tive because of the presence of a twenty-five-yard roll of absorbent
surgical gauze in a near-by drawer, in which will also be seen a long
pair of teller's or coupon shears. These shears and this gauze will
enable the dispenser to make many hundreds of the cleanest, most
satisfactory little towels imaginable ; perfectly dry and very handy
for fine work, at a cost of seventy-five cents for all.

This gauze also answers admirably for wiping off capsules, for
drying soluble elastic capsules, after washing in alcohol — so often
necessary. These small pieces should be retained in a convenient box
or drawer, to be used most advantageously for protecting the larger
towel. Whatever is of such a nature as would greatly soil the towel
can be disposed of by using a piece of this once-used gauze and
throwing it away. It is much better than paper, or even sawdust,
for such purposes.

Two or more thicknesses of absorbent gauze answers admirably
for coarse, rapid straining.. This must bring to mind vivid pictures
of the old-time strainer, and offers another sample of my would-be
art. It may be more than of the cheaper muslin sort or yet a cork

Am. Jour. Pharm.\
December, 1901. J

Pharmaceutical Progress.

577

bag. Even of expensive flannel, it looks just about the same. This
picture needs much color, because the old strainer was always
stained after its first use and, if you could paint odors, might
mix your colors with cod-liver oil, because that gave the odor
which always hung around the strainer of our fathers, no matter
how hard we tried to keep them clean. It is by such a picture that
I would make clear the value of absorbent cotton to the dispenser —
snowy white, always clean, sterile, rapid, effective. This, with a
number of properly assorted small glass funnels having long stems
makes a fair picture of the dispensing of solutions. Gauze and
cotton enable us to do as we would be done by when cleanliness is
the consideration.

Need I mention that if, when filtering or straining, the operator
will use a funnel with a sufficiently long stem and be sure that the
outside of the funnel and the neck of the bottle are perfectly dry, the
escape of air will be insured ? Need I picture the reverse of this
little gain? On and on one may go showing how careful observa-
tion and generous brotherhood have added improved methods and
devices of ^reat value : striking evidences of progress. Not only
is this true of one department and regarding very simple things, but
it is equally true of all departments ; about more exalted doings.
Changes have affected every phase of our calling and its practice,
and the sooner we recognize these and the advantages accruing
therefrom, the better will be our chances of success. If one is
skeptical, he may reason the matter out on logical bases. If he
doubts the advisability of locating upon a thoroughfare and near
the centre of trade rather than, as was formerly desirable, in a more
remote, residential district, does he not see that influences wonderful
and mighty have been at work to bring this about ? The world has
grown strangely small, and each one of its subdivisions has grown
smaller in the same degree. Does he wonder why physicians con-
gregate in the most advantageous centre, without regard to local
practice, as formerly ? The telephone has brought it about in two
ways, which are quite obvious ; this same influence is soon to be felt
in helping to concentrate the pharmaceutical business. The passing
of the strictly local drug store, as a drug store, and the increasing
trade in side-lines is largely due to the fact that the emergency
pharmacy is no longer necessary ; it is replaced by the physician's
pocket, largely his hypodermic syringe case, which is often supple-

578

Pharmaceutical Progress.

( Am Jour. Pharm .
I December, 1901.

merited by the knowledge and forethought of the trained nurse.
But what advantage or blessing, it may be asked, does this enlarge-
ment of the large and curtailment of the small bring ? The answer
is quickly made — " much and many."

I would in no way disparage the smaller stores. I would in kind-
ness sound a warning note and lend a helping hand. It is only in
the enlargement of stores and by the concentration of effort that I
see release from long hours and overwork. Higher practice must
be had in better stores not in more stores. If this is not true, it is
possible, and will, I believe, certainly follow. There are many evi-
dences that this is the case already. Where do we find the most
desirable and competent assistants ? Are they not constantly seek-
ing and finding positions in the larger establishments ? And is it
not because they are better paid and have more privileges ? It is
there that their talents and acquirements find a better market, be-
cause needed.

Helpful progress has been made in fixtures, in the arrangement
of stock, in the selection and purchase of the latter ; progress in
bookkeeping, in the training, selection and proper placiilg of assist-
ants and general help has been made.

Containers and wrappings have been improved, and especially
have methods of identification, standardization, manufacture and
dispensing advanced. Some of these, if you will allow me, I will
tersely illustrate.

Regarding Fixtures : In the modern drug store the old counter,
with its dark cupboard-like interior has or should have disappeared ;
in its place counter show-cases should be found. They enable
customers to see what you have and you to find what is wanted.
These should, however, have sliding doors in front as well as back.
The front doors add immensely to the value and convenience of
these cases and need not greatly detract from their appearance.
The old tiers of drawers, dusty and often infested, each drawer
bearing the label of one article it did not hold but containing a
dozen or twenty-nine others of varying potency and odors ; instead
you will find a sufficient number of inexpensive but neat tin cans
to separately contain such stock as was formerly kept in drawers.
Let me ask in this connection, why could not formaldehyde be
judiciously used to prevent the development of vermin in such
drugs as tend to deteriorate in this manner? We are trying it with

A m. Jour. Phanu. \
December, 1901. /

Pharmaceutical Progress.

579

orris root. I suggest experimentation along this line. Again, you
will notice that cupboards formerly used as a base for cases and
shelving have disappeared ; all shelving for holding cans, jars, bot-
tles, etc., and all wall-cases begin upon a closed base, not more than
10 inches from the floor and are continuous to any height desired.
Yet I am sure that a " reachable" height and a gallery is by far the
most desirable. These cases will show what they contain. The
greater depth of wall-cases is a modern thought, one that must be
utilized to be fully appreciated. In the modern pharmacy the glass-
labeled shelf-bottle has been greatly lessened in numbers or has
been entirely relegated to the prescription or dispensing department,
and naturally so. They are not for sale ; they require extravagant
attention to be kept presentable. One wonders why they have
been shown so long ; to have customers note how little many of
these are used and how " stale " their contents must be. We be-
come so used to our stores and stock that we fail to see the true
picture they make. Look about you, on a return, as if you were a
customer; notice, especially, your shelf-bottles. A good modern
rule for these is to have only so many as will add to your conveni-
ence and none for show. The use of original containers kept in
colored glass cases seems to offer many advantages ; protection from
light ; saving of time required for cleaning and drying old con-
tainer and in transferring ; the non-mixing of the old with the new;
especially is this important with essential oils, fluid extracts, etc.
Besides, the original container, having generally a decided indivi-
duality, offers protection.

It may be well, in passing, to note that the glass doors of wall-
cases may be effectively and attractively obscured by painting the
inside of glass with liquid asphaltum, easily secured at paint stores.
In connection with fixtures in detail, I am led to call attention again
to a container for distilled water or whatever kind is used in dis-
pensing. A two-gallon irrigating bottle is arranged upon a shelf
high enough to place it above the line of vision of the tallest assist-
ant; to it is attached a short piece of pure gum tubing, to which
is adjusted a pinch-cock ; the neck of the bottle is filled with
absorbent cotton. Nothing could be more effective than this, con-
sidering both facility and accuracy.

One must not attempt to adopt modern methods unless they can
be advantageously and consistently carried out. The entire separa-

58o

Pharmaceutical Progress.

(Am. Jour. Pharm.
I December, 1901.

tion of the prescription or dispensing department from the room in
which customers are received and served, and connected with it by
a waiter, has many and decided advantages, if sufficient force is
available to insure the presence of four persons during business
hours. With less than this, it had better not be undertaken One
person cannot possibly attend to trade and waiter ; neither can one
person attend to waiter and compound prescriptions. Experience
leads me to offer the suggestion that the plan had better not be
undertaken with less than eight available men. With such a num-
ber it works beautifully, economizing labor and time, while devel-
oping specialists in the very different fields of salesmanship and
dispensing. This separation of the two departments allows me to
hold before you a picture of presentable salesmen : in clothing not
soiled or scant ; hands and nails that are absolutely impossible with
a dispenser; able to properly receive and serve patrons, with
no distracting thought of what the prescription may contain or the
manner in which it has been compounded. ,He is free to meet the
oft-trying demands of the customer in the best possible manner. I
am also able to show you a dispenser comfortably and appropriately
clothed, quietly placed, with no distracting influences ; not hurried
by the impatient customer, and in a roomy, well-lighted apartment,
with ample utensils and facilities. In the sales-department is stocked
everything that can be passed to the patron without change; in
the laboratory will be found all products used in compounding or
required to be arranged for the special requisition. Orders are classed
as " waits," " calls," and " send-outs." The latter are subdivided
into " hurry," " time," and " unmarked," which means any time
during the day. Each class is numbered, and impartial, systematic
order is the rule. In the sales-department no more is done with the
prescription than to properly receive, wrap and deliver it. Yet this
requires care and systematic treatment. Order blanks are used for
everything to come from the laboratory; for all "send-outs;" also,
forall charge-sales not " send-outs." If a customer is passed articles
to be found in the sales-department, no order blank, of course, is
used. Checks are given for all " waits " and " calls ;" " send-outs "
are entered in a delivery book, where proper notation is made as to
the time for delivery. Checks are numbered with a triplicating
numbering machine, which puts a corresponding number upon the
prescription and order blank. Checks for renewals are numbered

ADecJembe^i9oi?'} Pharmaceutical Progress. 581

with a pencil. These companion sketches of the separated depart-
ments of the modern pharmacy are among our most pleasing pro-
ductions, with but a single blemish. If worked out in a little more
detail they show most satisfactory results from specialized and sys-
tematized effort. In marked contrast with the representation that
might be made of ye ancient apothecary, or even the modern one,
who attempts to serve milkshakes, base-ball bats and tobacco while
making urethral bougies, or while adjusting a volumetric solution.
The one single blemish spoken of in connection with our separate-

CHECK

FOR

PRESCRIPTION

265420

Time sufficient is as necessary for: the proper
preparation of a prescription as are care, compe-
tency, concentration of thought and pure material.
We have an ample corps of careful and competent
prescriptionists, in a commodious laboratory, away
from distracting influences, Hvhere, with a compre-
hensive supply of pure and standardized pharma-
ceuticals and complete modern equipment we are
able to do perfect compounding, but, withal, must
have time ; frequently more is-required than is an-
ticipated, because unlooked-for difficulties and com-
plications appear. Be patient; we will let you go as
soon as possible.

( On reverse side)

BYNSON, WE3TC0TT & GO.,
Charles & Franklin Sts.,

BALTIMORE.

department idea is the absolute impossibility of satisfying impa-
tient or hurried waiting parties that something is being done for
them ; nothing short of seeing some one at work for them will be
satisfactory, and this cannot be offered. A small attempt is made
upon the back of check, but it is a failure. Patient education seems
to be the only remedy.

The effort made in some quarters to make capital out of an ex-
posure of prescription-manipulation must necessarily result in im-
perfect work, since no hesitation, consultation or consideration is
possible. It must all go through without a hitch, or the impres-
sion will be bad. Such a thing as a re-trial would be out of the
question when, in fact, several trials are often necessary with the
conscientious dispenser, no matter how able he may be. The in-
ference, too, is discreditable. " Because I work in the open, others

582

Pharmaceutical Progress.

/Am. Jour. Pliarm.
i December, 1901.

who do not, have something to hide." The argument is without
force. Who would enjoy his dinner more because the slaughter-
house and kitchen were in sight, though both were scrupulously
clean and the operatives were as perfect in technique as is the
modern surgeon. Even this model of cleanliness and care is not in
the habit of exhibiting his work to the family and friends of his
patient. Did it ever seem necessary to the analyst or bacteriolo-
gist that his work should be more acceptable because a layman
witnessed? If a manufacturing department is, as must be, a part
of our establishment, it should be in the same large room in which
dispensing is done, or very closely connected; because the two
work together admirably, and the one helps the other. Indeed, for
a strictly retail and supply business, these two or three departments
should be linked under one head.

With ability and facility to apply pharmacopceial tests, one can
buy so much more advantageously. Not only can he save much
but he can win confidence and respect by employing the modern
methods of standardization to satisfy his conscience that what he
dispenses conforms to the requirements of the Pharmacopoeia ; he
instills into his business a personality which brings commendable
pride and consequent content.

Advancement in medicine and surgery has encouraged this pro-
gress and made it necessary. Advancement in pharmaceutical
education has made it possible. Positive evidence is here given of
the ability of our colleges of pharmacy to meet the demands of the
hour. The practitioner of pharmacy to-day must be educated, must
be scientifically trained.

Empirical practice will not answer and the fittest will survive.
That point in progress has been reached where educated persons are
needed in every department of pharmaceutical practice. The ap-
prentice is a thing of the past ; modern methods leave no place for
him. No one has time to watch or teach him. Of what use is he ?
He can run errands, but soon outgrows that. He might be a re-
ceiving clerk, but before he has learned this he thinks he should
earn more than one can pay for one to receive and mark goods.
He will not make a stock clerk, because lacking in the judgment
necessary. He cannot become a student and attend college, be-
cause he stopped school too soon. He is out of place. Your porter
must be sufficiently heavy to handle large cases, barrels, etc., and

Am. Jour. Pharru. \
December, 1901. /

Pharmaceutical Progress.

583

have judgment enough to attend to the furnace, deliver and ship
goods. Your janitor must be ,a janitress, because a woman will
not be sent out on errands and, besides, women are better cleaners
than men. She can also do the laundry work of the establishment ;
keep plenty of clean towels and the sleeping- room in order. You
must have a second woman, an experienced dishwasher, to keep
your laboratory in order, bottles washed and utensils cleaned. A
good woman in this position is not only a comfort but a money-
saver as well, since she breaks so very much less and cleans so very
much better than boys. Your receiving and stock clerk must be a
woman, because she will remain in the position at a moderate
salary, and will become more and more valuable with each year's
service.

Compare this well-ordered detail with remembrances of pro-
prietors and assistants wasting their valuable time washing gradu-
ates and mortars or, with the boys and clerks, sweeping the store,
washing windows or sweeping pavements, as of old, and you will
see unmistakable evidences of progress. The pharmacist doing
business to-day who does not appreciate the helpfulness of educated
and college-trained assistants is most unfortunate. He has either
never seen the real, or is so incompetent himself as to be unable to
recognize it.

Modern drug-store methods comprehend immense variety, great
length and breadth. With even so much science behind him the
pharmacist of today must make method and sometimes straighten
the way. If, perchance, he sells oxygen he may wish to be assured of
its purity. He deems its estimation an easy task, but finds upon trial
that phosphorus will not burn spontaneously in pure oxygen. Strange
but true. He then somewhat ingeniously applies the electric spark ;
the result is generally disastrous to his glass vessel or unsatisfactory,
because of the extreme violence of the reaction. If the phosphorus
is introduced into a mixture of equal parts of atmospheric air and
oxygen the phosphorus will continue to oxidize slowly until all
oxygen is combined, when the result is easily obtained by deduct-
ing the amount of nitrogen contained in the quantity of air used.
Several trials proved the constancy of the proportion of the two
gases in atmospheric air ; it varies but very little from the accepted,
one to four. The peculiar behavior of phosphorus in pure oxygen
seems to be due to the sudden formation of a coating of oxide in
such condition as to effectually protect the phosphorus.

5§4

Sponges.

j Am. Jour. Pharm.
X December, 1901.

This interesting estimation of oxygen is left for the moment
while so small a matter as wrapping paper is looked after and which
is brought before you to illustrate how closely we sometimes cling
to the old. One pictures many drawers full of cut paper with
counter and drawers and floor littered with smaller or larger pieces
of wrapping paper — an eyesore and a sore waste. Why ! even
to-day one can see, in reality, on the counters of some of our finest
stores, paper " in the flat," with huge shears lying near, with which
to cut the size desired, and waste and litter again. Why not rolls
and cutters? Three sizes — 6, 9, 12 inches of white, and three sizes
— 12, 18, 36 inches of Manila, will meet every want and leave only
satisfaction and comfort. But what a descent ! From the estimation of
gases to — wrapping paper ! Yet, just such is our calling and such
are its demands. In and around it one can find interesting subjects,
attractive groupings, upon which the pencil can be used with most
refreshing results. Science and art, manufacture, dispensing, test
and assay. Competent verification, accurate* standardization, com-
prehensive production and scientific compounding. A variety, but
a most consistent variety. All actually and profitably practised.

The dream of eighteen hundred and ninety is the realization ol
nineteen hundred and one.

SPONGES :

WHERE THEY LIVE, HOW OBTAINED, AND THEIR USES.

By Albert Hart.

Sponge belongs to the animal kingdom, and the principal ones
used commercially are obtained off the coasts of Florida and the
West Indies; the higher grades are from the Mediterranean Sea,
and are numerous in variety.

A sponge in its natural state is a different looking object from
what we see in commerce, resembling somewhat the appearance of
the jelly-fish, or mass of liver, the entire surface being covered with
a thin, slimy skin, usually of a dark color, and perforated to corre-
spond with the apertures of the canals, commonly called " holes of
the sponge." The sponge of commerce is, in reality, only the
skeleton of a sponge. The composition of this skeleton varies in
the different kinds of sponges, but in the commercial grades it con-

Am. Jour. Pharm. l
December, 1901. I

Sponges.

585

sists of interwoven horny fibres, among and supporting which are
spiculae of silicious matter in greater or less numbers, and having a
variety of forms. The fibres consist of a network of fibrils, whose
softness and elasticity determine the commercial quality of a given
sponge. The horny framework is perforated externally by very
minute pores and by a less number of larger openings. These are
parts of an interesting double canal system, an external and an
internal, or a centripetal and a centrifugal. At the smaller openings
on the sponge's surface channels begin, which lead into dilated
spaces. In these, in turn, channels arise, which eventually termin-
ate in the large openings. Through these channels or canals definite
currents are constantly maintained, which are essential to the exist-
ence of the sponge. The currents enter through the small aper-
tures and emerge through the large ones.

The active part of the sponge; that is, the part concerned in nutri-
tion and growth, is a soft, fleshy mass, partly filling the meshes and
lining the canals. It consists largely of cells having different func-
tions: some utilized in the formation of the framework, some in
digestion, and others in reproduction. Lining the dilated spaces
into which different canals lead are cells surmounted by whip-like
processes. The motion of these processes produces and maintains
the water currents, which carry the minute food-products to the
digestive cells in the same cavities. Sponges multiply by the union
of sexual products. Certain cells of the fleshy pulp assume the char-
acter of ova, and others that of spermatozoa. Fertilization takes
place within the sponge. The fertilized eggs, which are called
larvae, pass out into the currents of the wrater, and, in the course of
twenty-four to forty-eight hours, they settle and become attached to
rocks and other hard substances, and in time develop into mature
sponges. The depth of the water in which sponge grows varies
from 10 to 50 feet in Florida, but considerably more in the Mediter-
ranean sea, the finer grades being found in the deepest water, hav-
ing a temperature of 500 to 570.

The method of obtaining sponges in the Mediterranean is by
means of divers with apparatus, though this was prohibited by the
Turkish government many years ago, but not adhered to, owing to
the lack of support by the Greek government, and to excessive fish-
ing, thus deteriorating the sponge beds, which require about three
years to properly develop. As a consequence, these goods have be-

586

Sponges.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
( December, 1901.

come scarce and greatly enhanced in value. A diver usually stays
below the water a half to one minute, gathering what he can in the
meantime, though, with apparatus, he can remain below the surface a
considerable time. His work is very hard, owing to the pressure of
the water. He is trained to his work when very young, and seldom
lives more than thirty years. In the Florida and West India waters
the fishing is done in flat-bottom boats, called dinges. A tin or
wooden pail with a glass bottom is used to help locate the sponges,
by lowering it into the water and looking down through it.
When located they are brought up by means of a long pole,
about thirty feet long, with a sharp-curved, double hook, by which
means they are detached and brought to the surface. After obtain-
ing a boatload it is laid out to decompose, a process better observed
from a distance, owing to the obnoxious odor. They are laid out in
kraals on the beach, and so washed by the sea. After the cleaning
process they are taken to the market and sold to the dealers, who
are experts, the highest bidder becoming the 'purchaser. They are
then sorted and packed into bales according to size and quality.
Of commercial sponges there are many different varieties, namely :
sheepswool, velvet, yellow, grass, glove, reef, hardhead, and wire,
emanating from Florida and the West Indies, each variety having
several different grades, the Mediterranean giving us honeycomb
sponges, commonly called " Turkish bath," " Turkey sponges " (i e.y
silk surgeon sponges), leather sponges (i. e.t elephant ears or wash-
rag sponges), there being also several different grades of each
variety. Sheepswool are named Rock Islands (Exhibit No. i), Key
(Exhibit No. 2), Matacomby (Exhibit No. 3), obtained from Florida-
Abaco (Exhibit No. 4), Cuba (Exhibit No. 5) and Nassau (Exhibit
No. 6), from the West Indies, their names being given in order as to
quality, the most valuable being Rock Islands, which are of a strong
fibre and best form, being most valuable for carriage washing and
heavy work. This grade also makes fine bath sponges, either
bleached with permanganate of potash, muriatic acid and oxalic
acid, which makes them a white color, and then washed in a bath
of sal soda or lime water, thus neutralizing the acid and changing
the color yellow or lemon. This method, however, greatly weakens
the fibre of the sponge, thus ruining it as regards durability. A
better method, though not so pleasing to the eye, is to wash the
natural sponge in a weak solution or oil of vitriol (Exhibit No. 7 to

Am. Jour. Pharm.)
December, 1901. j

Sponges.

587

compare with Exhibit No. I), say one part of acid to twenty of
water, allowing them to remain in until the dark color is taken out
of the sponge, then thoroughly washing in water. This process
does not injure the sponge, and makes it look cleaner.

Key sheepswool is a good form, soft and close fibre, lacking
strength, owing to the iron in the sponge, which is signified by a
bright-red color at the root and running entirely through the struc-
ture of the sponge. It is extensively bleached and looks nice, but
wears badly, owing to the excessive use of acids necessary to ab-
stract the iron from the sponge.

Abaco sheepswool somewhat resembles the Rock Island, though
lacking its strength.

The Cuba sheepswool resembles the Key variety, being lighter
in color.

The Nassau being the coarsest grade and is irregular as regards
the horny fibres, firmness and shape.

The velvet sponges (Exhibit No. 8) of which there are several
varieties, i. e., Abaco, Cuba and Cay from the West Indies, also a
hard variety from Florida, are much used as cheap carriage sponges
and for general purposes, being moderate in price. The Abaco
Exhibit No. 9) and Cuba velvet are the best, and much resemble
sheepswool. A large hole at the top of this sponge spoils its
utility. The Cay variety is the one largely used, being more
abundant. The Florida velvet is coarse and hard, and is not gen-
erally liked, except for certain manufacturing purposes. Owing to
a hole in the top of this grade of sponge many people prefer the
cut sponges, i. e.y the large sponges cut up and trimmed, thus ob-
taining a nice solid sponge minus the holes. The yellow (Exhibit
No. 10) sponge has also several varieties — Nassau, from the West
Indies ; Key and Matacomby, Florida, which are a good shape, but
rather brittle, and are used chiefly among the painters, bricklayers
and for household purposes. The best of these are the Matacomby
and Key. There is also a species of yellow sponge called " hard
head " (Exhibit No. 1 1), and this is what its name implies — a " hard "
sponge. One variety, however, from Cuba (Exhibit No. 12) has a
fine texture and is soft, though somewhat brittle, and is valuable,
bleached, to take the place of a surgeon sponge.

The grass sponge (Exhibit No. 13) is of a very poor species and
very low in price. It is chiefly used for manufacturing purposes by

588

Sp07iges.

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ December, 1901.

painters, stone-masons, bricklayers, etc. The best quality and
nicest shapes are bleached and sold on the market for a cheap bath
sponge and are as good in appearance as the higher grades, but
give no satisfaction in wear.

The reef sponges (Exhibit No. 14) are fine in texture, but lack
strength, are extensively bleached for toilet purposes, and used by
manufacturers and engravers.

Sponges from the Mediterranean sea are superior in quality to
either the Florida or West Indies. The horny fibres being far less
pronounced, they do not develop to the same thickness. They
are finer in texture and more pliable, and grow in deeper water,
having a surface temperature ol 500 to 570 in winter, which is clearer
and more free from impurities and the more difficult to obtain. The
various grades are called white Turkey, i. e., silk surgeon sponges;
brown Turkish, i. e., Zimocha, being similar to the silk sponge, only
coarser and darker in color ; leather sponges, i. e.t wash-rag or ele-
phant's ears and honeycomb sponges; all of which have several dif-
ferent varieties. The best varieties are Mandruka Turkey cups (Ex-
hibit No. 15), deriving their name from their formation, similar to a
cup; Turkey solids (Exhibit No. 16) which are the same variety, only
solid, as the name implies. The leather sponges (Exhibit No. 17)
are thin, flat and fine in texture, used chiefly for manufacturing pur-
poses and used considerably in Europe by veterinary surgeons.
Brown Turkey, i. e.y Zimocha sponges (Exhibit No. 18) is similar in
texture to a silk sponge, but brittle. It is chiefly used in Europe
for a horse sponge and also for manufacturing purposes. Honey,
comb sponges are various in quality, these being known as Man-
druka (Exhibit No. 19) and found in deep water, are perfect forms,
and have a close fibre and no horny fibres protruding from the sur-
face, and are characteristic for their small root. This latter fact
should be borne in mind in selling sponges. Many people object
to large holes in the sponge, whereas, the root is the chief factor
in determining its strength. The " catch " of this grade is diminish-
ing yearly, thereby enhancing their value, consequently only a few
dealers import them, the largest supply coming to Philadelphia.

Next in quality comes the Bengaza (Exhibit No. 20) a sponge
similar to the Mandruka, though somewhat coarser, but a nice shape
and strong, and is usually solid as a " Mandruka." This sponge
grows in deep water. The cheaper varieties of honeycomb, i. e.y

^ecSe^n ' Sponges. 589

Turkish bath (Exhibit No. 21) are found in shallow water and are
numerous in variety,, quality varying according to depth at which
they are found. They are chiefly bleached, only the finest selected
being used in their natural color.

The question of propagating sponges has been discussed both as
regards Florida and Mediterranean sponges, and the idea is believed
to be feasible. The method is as follows : Sponges cut into small
pieces will live and grow if properly attached in suitable water
(clear and free from impurities). They can be cut on a moistened
board with a knife or a fine saw. Care must be taken not to ex-
press the soft matter. The preferred size of the cuttings is about 1
inch broad and similar in height. The outer skin should be re-
tained as far as practicable. In cutting, the lines of the circulating
canals should probably be considered, although pieces cut without
any reference to the direction of the canals have lived and grown.
Exposure is not injurious, unless exposed too long or in very warm
weather. The clippings must then be made fast, care must be
taken to use material that is not injurious to the sponge and will
not distort its growth. They must be fastened on the bottom in an
upright position that can be maintained, and not smothered by
mud, sand or sediment. The use of bamboo pegs seems to have
given much satisfaction and good results attained in as short a time
as a year.

Owing to the great advance in the cost of sponges during the
last few years, due to the scarcity and the results of overfishing and
increased demand, of which the European market has been a factor,
the packers in Florida have resorted to loading sponges to keep
down the price, so as to appear to continue asking the former
prices, whereas in reality, the cost is 20 to 35 per cent, higher.
There are several methods of accomplishing this, such as injecting
into the sponge sand and marble-dust ; also by washing the sponges
in a salt solution and by injecting glucose and heavy syrups. In fact,
so heavy do they endeavor to load them that it is a wonder that
the Government did not contract for loaded sponges for their can-
non in its late war with Spain. Dealers now offering pure sponges
free from sand and foreign matter are practically ridiculed by re-
tailers, when quoting $1 and $1.50 per pound higher than their
competitors offering loaded sponges, though they are offering the
better and cheaper article and not likely to scratch or spoil a highly

Metric Medicine Glass.

J Am. Jour. Pharrn.
l December, 1901.

polished article. To compare the difference between a pure and
loaded sponge, take a 2-ounce sponge of each grade, wetting them
both up, and it will be found that the pure article will measure
about nineteen inches in circumference, or thereabouts. The loaded
article in comparison will only measure about sixteen inches in cir-
cumference and less. Of course, this will largely depend upon the
amount of foreign matter contained therein, the average herein
given being taken from a bale of each kind and measured. Take a
sponge of equal weight, say 2 ounces, costing $4 a pound and pure,
and a loaded sponge at $3 per pound, and it will be seen that by
washing them out you are getting a larger sponge in the 2-ounce
pure than in the 2-ounce loaded, and therefore the cost is practically
equal, despite the fact of there being $1 difference per pound in the
price. A bale of pure sponges averaging eight to the pound at $4.
a pound will be as large if not larger than a loaded bale about six
to the pound, at $3 per pound. The cost of both of these per
sponge is 50 cents. The purchasing of loaded sponges should,
therefore, be avoided, it being iilustrated that as good value, if not
better, can be obtained by paying the higher price.

Many dealers are now offering sheepswool by the piece, a stated
number of sponges being packed in a bale, and this method is com-
manded, saving the retailer the trouble of figuring the individual
cost of each sponge, and sometimes unconsciously losing their profits
by not taking into consideration the difference of gross weight at
which the sponges are usually purchased and the net weight, and
even a possible loss from the sponges drying out. In this connec-
tion we would say that sponges in bales absorb the humidity in the
summer-time, and are usually more or less damp, whereas, in the
winter-time, they lose in weight, owing to the dryness of the air.

A METRIC MEDICINE GLASS.

By M. I. Wilbert.
Apothecary at the German Hospital, Philadelphia.

One of the most potent reasons why the metric system of weights
and measures has not made more rapid progress in general favor
or, what to us pharmacists is of more importance, in the practice of
medicine and pharmacy, is the fact that the general public, and even
doctors and some druggists, have no well-developed ideas of metric

ADecimberi™'} Metric Medicine Glass. 591

quantities until they have converted them into the more familiar
system of ounces and pounds. For example, 200 c.c. represents
nothing tangible to the average mind until the person has converted
this term into the approximate equivalent of six and three-quarter
ounces. In other words, we have not as yet accustomed ourselves to
think in decimal quantities, but continue to think of and to figure
out quantities in ounces and fractions and subsequently attempt to
transpose them into their metric equivalents. This process is not
only tedious; it is also uncertain and, to a certain extent, dangerous,
as a person who must necessarily transpose from one system to
another cannot have an exact knowledge of the approximate values
of weights and measures of the system that he is transposing into.

This is a point that should not be lost sight of, and especially in
the metric system, where the simple displacement of a figure means
the mistake of ten or a multiple of ten.

But even in cases where an actual and sincere attempt has been
made to use the metric system in the prescribing and dispensing of
medicines, we have an impediment in the accepted approximate-
values of capacities assigned to the various household utensils that
are commonly used to measure out doses of liquid medicines. Thus,
for instance, custom has sanctioned the practice of accepting the
capacity of a teaspoon to be a fluid drachm, and a tablespoon to be
equal in capacity to four teaspoons, or to hold approximately half a
fluid ounce. Now, any one who is sufficiently interested can readily
prove to himself that not only do the various spoons differ consider-
ably in their actual capacity, but that the average capacity of an
ordinary teaspoon is much greater than that usually assigned to it.
You will also find that but few tablespoons will hold more than the
equivalent of three teaspoons.

It is true that in many cases a glass medicine glass or tumbler
has displaced the more domestic method of measuring with the
actual spoon, and that by this means we are able to give more evenly
divided doses ; still, even our glass medicine tumblers do not always
hold the exact quantities that the graduations would indicate, and
in others where the graduations are correct the tumblers are of such
a shape that absolutely accurate results would be difficult to obtain,
even by an expert.

But what we wish to call particular attention to is the fact that in
transposing these approximate capacities into their metric equiva-

592

Metric Medicine Glass.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
\ December, 1901.

lents, we find that they do not fit in well with the decimal system of
notation. In round numbers these equivalents would be 4 and 16 c.c.
As square numbers require considerable thought when used as
decimals, the sums resulting from their multiplication are usually
inconvenient and awkward, and do not even-up into full round num-
bers, it will readily appeal to any one, that to use a decimal system
to advantage all the factors must, or should, fit into and be well
adapted to use in decimal notation. To overcome, as much as pos-
sible, any tangible objection or obstacle to the use of, or the ready
acquisition of a working knowledge of, the metric system, we have
devised a medicine glass that would conform more readily with a
decimal system of notation. This medicine tumbler is graduated so
as to conform with the approximate equivalent of a teaspoon as rec-
ognized in France and other countries that have adopted the metric

A Metric Medicine Glass.

system. In these countries the teaspoon is taken to be the equiva-
lent of 5 c.c, and the tablespoon is taken as the equivalent of 20 c.c,
or four teaspoonsful. In this latter particular our tumbler differs
from the usually accepted ideas, as the tablespoon is graduated to
the equivalent of 15 c.c, or three teaspoons. This we think repre-
sents more nearly the approximate relation between a tea and
tablespoon of average capacity, and, in addition to this, comes
nearer the generally accepted value of capacity for the tablespoon
as used in this country at the present time.

This particular medicine tumbler is of the pressed-glass variety,
with markings on the inside. The graduations, however, are now
etched in, in preference to the moulded graduations that were used
at first. These moulded graduations were found to be far from sat-

^SSffi^iffi?-} Capacity of Spoons. 593

isfactory, as each succeeding lot of tumblers varied considerably
from the supposed capacity. To overcome any possible chance of
variation, the manufacturers now engrave the lines on the outside
of the tumblers after annealing the glass.

With us in hospital practice the terms tea and tablespoons are
gradually becoming obsolete, and doses of liquid medicines are
usually referred to as being 5, 10 or 15 c.c, always using the abbre-
viations for cubic centimetres.

The obvious advantage to be derived from the use of decimal
figures will appeal to any one who is not an expert mathematician,
or a lightning calculator. By giving 10, 20 or 30 doses of either
5, 10 or 15 c.c, the required multiplication is rapidly and readily
accomplished with little possibility of error. In addition to this, by
confining himself to full decimal quantities, the physician never has
any difficulty in either estimating the number of doses in a bottle
of given capacity, or in making up the number of doses he wishes
to prescribe.

In conclusion, the writer would like to say that, if any physician
or pharmacist will get into the habit of thinking quantities in deci-
mals, he will never have occasion to question the superiority and
advantage of the metric system over the heterogeneous and com-
plicated systems of weights and measures now used in this country.

THE CAPACITY OF SPOONS FOR ADMINISTERING

MEDICINES.

By C. B. Lowe.

My attention being directed to the capacity of the spoons in
common use I have made some investigations of the matter. Rem-
ington's " Pharmacy " gives their capacity as follows, viz., "Teaspoon-
ful = f5i, dessertspoonful = f5ii,tablespoonful = f5iv," but afterwards
states : " In almost all cases the modern teacups, tablespoons,
dessertspoons and teaspoons, after careful tests made by the author,
were found to average 25 per cent, greater capacity than the theo-
retical quantities given." White and Wilcox's " Materia Medica "
gives the following list, viz., " A teaspoonful is about a fluid drachm
(4 c.c.) ; usually it is a little more, viz., nearly 5 c.c A dessert-
spoonful is about two fluid drachms (8 c.c). A tablespoonful is about

594

Capacity of Spoons.

( Am. Jour. Pharm.
I December, 1901.

half a fluid ounce (i 5 cc); usually it is almost 20 c.c." I have tested
a number of spoons, such as are in common use, filling each with
distilled water to its full capacity and then measuring the amount.
The following results are given : No. I (a small teaspoon) contains
75 m. ; No. 2, 85 m.; No. 3, 100 m. ; No. 4, 100 m. ; No. 5, 1 10 m. ;
No. 6, no m. ; No. 7, 120 m. ; No. 8, 120 m. ; No. 9, 120 m. ; No.
10, 130 m., the average being 107 m. (about 7 c.c). As Nos. 2 and
3 are each known to be 100 years old, we might infer that there has
been an increase in the size of teaspoons, as the rest of them are of
much later date. Of the three dessertspoons shown you their
capacity is as follows: No. 1 (modern), 3 fluid drachms; No. 2 (80
years old), full 3 fluid drachms ; No. 3 (50 years old), scant 4 fluid
drachms. The six tablespoons shown you have a capacity as fol-
lows: No. I (100 years old), 4 fluid drachms; Nos. 2, 3 and 4
(modern), each 5 fluid drachms ; No. 5 (60 years old), full 5^ fluid
drachms; No. 6 (modern), 6 fluid drachms. When filled with strong
alcoholic tinctures, such as Tinct. Cinchona Comp., they contain
about 10 per cent, less, owing to the fact that the cohesion between
the molecules of alcohol is less than that between the molecules of
water. Filled with tinctures made from diluted alcohol, such as
Tinct. Digitalis, they contain about 5 per cent, less than they do of
water. Filled with syrup, such as Syr. Pruni Virg., the amount is
about the same as that of water, but about 10 per cent, adheres to
the spoons and cannot be measured. My conclusions are as follows,
viz. : In actual practice few persons fill spoons perfectly full with
medicinal liquids, but only approximately so, therefore, by the use
of the average teaspoon the patient would get about 50 per cent,
more than the theoretical quantity. The average dessert and table-
spoon would give about 25 per cent. more. As the teaspoon is the
measure by which liquid medicines are ordinarily administered, this
average increase in size of 50 per cent, becomes a matter of some
consequence, especially when maximum doses of active drugs are
prescribed. For instance, a physician might think he was giving
the -Ij of a grain of strychnine, whereas by the ordinary teaspoon
the patient would get of a grain, or nearly y1^. Or 4 m. of
hydrocyanic acid might be prescribed as a dose, but the patient
would get 6 m. This disparity between theory and practice is par-
tially recognized by some physicians ; one that I am acquainted with
always prescribes a 2^ -ounce mixture when he wishes the patien

ADeclmler?mh'} Determination of Specific Gravity. 595

to get 16 teaspoonfuls ; a' three-ounce mixture would give him exactly
what he wants.

Professor Wilcox's comment upon the domestic measures should
be widely circulated. He says : Spoons, glasses, and cups vary so
much in capacity that it is never safe to prescribe solutions of pow-
erful drugs to be measured by them. The use of glass graduates,
which can be obtained accurately marked, should be insisted upon.

NOTE ON THE DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC
GRAVITY.

By Robert A. Hatcher, M.D.

The accompanying diagram illustrates a method of taking specific
gravity which has not been widely used (if, indeed, it has ever been
suggested), with an ordinary box prescription scale.

A beaker containing water is balanced upon the scale, and having
weighed the article in air, it is then suspended so that it is wholly
immersed in the water but does not touch the bottom of the beaker.

Determination of Specific Gravity with a Prescription Scale.

The weight now required to restore the balance is the weight of the
water displaced, and it equals the loss of weight of the substance in
water. The specific gravity is found by dividing the weight in air
by the loss of weight in water, the result being the specific gravity
sought.

Editorial.

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
( December, 1901.

EDITORIAL.

BIO-CHEMICAL ANALYSES AND THEIR VALUE.

In an editorial in the March number of Pediatrics on the " New
Diagnosis " occur a number of statements which are rather sugges-
tive and have a wider significance than simply to the modern
physician for whom they were written. By the " New Diagnosis "
is meant " the recognition of various types of disease by the assist-
ance of the new discoveries in bacteriology, physics and chemistry ;
many of them rendered practicable by the newer forms of the
compound microscope. These discoveries are familiar enough —
the tubercle bacillus, the malarial parasite and many more. But
the speed with which announcements of scientific achievement have
succeeded one another has perhaps blinded a part of the profession
to the fact that there is just as much room to-day in the practice of
medicine for the educated fingers, eye and ear as there ever was.
The new field of work has not replaced the old ; on the contrary,
both fields remain, both must be examined, both gone over from
end to end before a diagnosis can as a rule be considered secure.
Diphtheria bacilli in the throat do not prove diphtheria unless the
patient has symptoms ; the diazo-reaction in the urine, or the Widal
test with the blood, must be taken as coordinate evidence along
with these spots ; the nose-bleed, the splenic tumor, and the fever,
before us may certainly say 4 typhoid.' The new diagnosis has
complemented the old. in a manner that has proved and will prove
infinitely beneficent. But there is no fair ground to hope or even
to wish that the chemist and the microscopist shall supersede the
alert and well-educated * all-round ' physician. As they say in
Germany, ' You can't turn a man into a test-tube.' "

In an editorial in this Journal (February, 1899) on "Germs and
Disinfection," attention was directed to the fact that those who
understand least of the nature of germs and disinfectants are likely
. to be most deluded by the subject. It is said that some time ago
" a gang of coalers at Hull refused to discharge a cargo of coals
until they had been disinfected." While Dr. Koch, when he made
his first visit to the Hamburg hospitals, found everything prepared
in the most correct style, and on his finishing with the first ward,
being invited in the usual manner to wash his hands with the most
scientific soaps, disinfectants, etc., he declined, observing, non-
chalantly, " There will be plenty of time for that presently."

Am. Jour. I'harm.'l
December. 1901. /

Editorial.

597

A worker in making microscopical examinations for physicians ob-
serves [Pediatrics, loc. cit.) that his patrons may be divided into three
classes, of which the largest class are " those who know neither how to
prepare their specimens nor what help the microscope can possibly
afford them in a troublesome diagnosis. These men send ferment-
ing urine in dirty bottles to be tested for 'typhoid bacilli;' plump
and blooming boys to ' have their red cells counted,' patients who
have not had a chill or an elevated temperature for months to be
examined for « malaria,' or bits of tough beefsteak passed per rectum
as probable specimens of ' carcinoma of the colon.' *■ * # Perhaps
these men last named have the ultimate motive of impressing the
patient with a notion of their own omniscience ; but there is no
honest word to be said for such performances except — quackery y

Modern methods of research have thrown a wonderful light on
not only diagnosis in medicine, but the valuation of economic pro-
ducts in general. As in medicine, so in these fields : the newer bio-
chemical methods have complemented the old in a manner that is
beneficent, and there is no ground for supposing that all five senses
with the man of common sense cannot be turned advantageously to
account.

In the discussion which followed the reading of a paper on
" Spanish Saffron " at the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Association
(Proa, 1898, p. 109), M. N. Kline said that the English women who
used saffron know good saffron when they see it. He said that they
know from practical use how to select the best quality, even though
no one might be able to assign the reason how they determined
this.

It is well known how " many large importers of tea, coffee and
cacao employ a taster or tester to determine the grade of the mate-
rial imported. Long experience enables these men to detect by
taste very slight variations in quality. Manifold repetitions of the
operation enables them to become familiar with every shade of
agreement between the taste of a sample and the appearance, feel
and smell of it. In this way all the senses become able to share in
the work ot determining the quality of the sample, the presence of
adulterants, facings, etc. The determination of the kinds of adul-
terants is largely a matter for chemistry and microscopy. In grad-
ing wool, cotton, etc., dealers depend upon the length of staple,
amount of dirt, fineness of fibre, strength of fibre, uniformity of the

59«

Reviews.

( Am. Jour. Pharm.
I December, 1901.

lot, etc., as revealed to them by their senses of sight and touch.
Experience gives them skill to form an approximately correct esti-
mate of the value of a sample, especially of its adaptability to
any particular use to which they may wish to put it. It is very
much like buying fruit — you look at it, feel it and taste of it, and
thus judge of its condition. If it suits your desires, your tastes
and your pocket-book, you buy it."1

There are likewise in drugs certain qualities which are not revealed
either by the microscope or the test-tube, but which, nevertheless,
are apparent to the physician who employs the drug. An article may
be nearly exhausted of its active constituents and yet pass as the
genuine so far as the microscope alone will demonstrate. One sample
of drug may assay as much as another, and yet not do the work
that is intended by the physician. So far as the microscopical and
chemical tests are concerned, there must always be limitations in
their employment. These can only complement the tests which
have always been employed, and for which no reason can be as-
signed for the results that they give. They who succeed in putting
out good preparations know in more ways than one how to pro-
nounce on the value of a drug, and they see to it that no stone is
left unturned (from the growing of the plant yielding the drug till
its actual preparation, conservation and employment by the physi-
cian) to insure its doing the work intended by the physician. The
true analyst is not only a microscopist, a chemist, a biologist, but a
tester and taster, one who uses his five senses with an abundance
of common sense, backed by a good training. The future has
much in store for the specialist who is an all-round man, with all
his senses developed, and who tastes and feels and sees as well as
uses the microscope and test-tube.

REVIEWS AND BIBLIOGRPAHICAL NOTICES.

A Text-book of Pharmacology. — Including Therapeutics, Materia
Medica, Pharmacy, Prescription-writing, Toxicology, etc. By Torald
Sollmann, M.D. Royal octavo volume of 880 pages, fully illus-
trated. Philadelphia and London: W. B. Saunders & Company,
1901. Cloth, #3.75 net.

1 Extract from a letter from Wm. B. Marshall, Curator of the Philadelphia
Commercial Museum, July 13, 1899.

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
December. 1901. (

Reviews.

599

In this work the author has not only brought together the facts
relating to the pharmacological study of drugs, but has also given
in Part I a rather comprehensive treatment of the preparation and
prescribing of medicines, as well as an outline of toxicologic analysis.
The most valuable portions of the work are Parts III and IV, in
which are given practical exercises in experiments on animals,
frog-work, work on mammals, and method of analyzing the causes
of pharmacologic action. While Cushny, in his Pharmacology, con-
siders it probable that pharmacy will occupy a still more subordinate
position in medical education, Sollmann seems to consider that a
knowledge of pharmaceutic methods, and even pharmacognosy, is
necessary to the education of the physician. It matters not which
view is favored; it would seem that it is a mistake to include so
much of these subjects in a work of this character as has been done
by Sollmann. The work, while based on the teachings of Schmiede-
berg, shows much originality and is a valuable contribution to the
text-books on the newer pharmacology, the intimate relation of
which to practical medicine is becoming more and more evident as
progress in medicine is made. It is works of this character that
interest the pharmacist who is likely in the near future to appreciate
the pharmacological valuation of animal and vegetable drugs.

Materia Medica, Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
By W. Hale White, M.D., F.R.C.P. Edited by Reynold W. Wilcox,
M.A., M.D., LL.D. Fifth American Edition, thoroughly revised.
Published by P. Blakiston's Son & Co., 1012 Walnut Street, Phila-
delphia. 1 90 1. Price, $3.00 net.

This popular work has been referred to on previous occasions in
this Journal. The new edition has been thoroughly revised and
twelve pages of new matter added. It is one of the most condensed
and most valuable of the works on therapeutics, and is a valuable
aid to students and practitioners alike.

The Medical Plants of the Philippines. — By T. H. Pardo de
Tavera, Doctor en Medicina de la Facultad de Paris, Comisionado
Cientifico de S. M. en las Islas Filipinas y Delagado en las Mismas
de la Societe Academique Indo-Chinoise de Francia, Miembro Fun-
dador Correspondiente de .la Sociedad Espanola de Higiene, etc.
Translated and revised by Jerome B. Thomas, Jr., A.B., M.D. Pub-
lished by P. Blakiston's Son & Co., 1012 Walnut Street, Philadel-
phia. 1901. Price, $2.00 net.

6oo

Reviews.

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
(. December, 1901.

This work was written with the special object of facilitating the
study of the native medicinal plants by the numerous medical offi-
cers stationed at small posts throughout the Philippines. The author
has given the common names, botanical origin, botanical descrip
tion, habitat, constituents and uses of the drugs considered in the
book. A very large number of the plants'enumerated are employed
in medicine throughout the civilized world. A number of the
other plants have been known to be used in India, the East Indies,
and other tropical countries. The plants mentioned, which are pecu-
liarly indigenous to the Philippines and which may prove of value in
medicine, are relatively few, if any. The work, at any rate, may
form the basis for subsequent work, and it is not unlikely that some
important and valuable medicinal plants may be established in these
comparatively unexplored and interesting islands.

Die Mikroskopische Analyze der Drogenpulver. Von Dr.
Ludwig Koch. Zweiter Band. ite Lieferung. Die Rhizome,
Knollen und Wurzeln. Leipzig : Verlag von Gebriider Borntraeger,
1901. Subscriptionspreis, 3 mk. 50 pf.

In this first part of the second volume are considered the ana-
tomical elements of the rhizomes and their characteristics in the
study of this class of drugs ; also the microscopical characteristics
of calamus, aspidium, galangal, hydrastis and iris. The present
part merits the same commendation that the previous parts that
have been issued have received in this Journal.

Die Rohstoffe des Pflanzenreiches. Versuch einer tecknichen
Rohstofflehre des Pflanzenreiches. Von Dr. Julius Wiesner. 2te
ganzlich umgearbeitete, und erweiterte Auflage. 6. Lieferung
(Bd. n,Bogen 1-10), mit Textfigur 1-44. Leipzig: Verlag von
Wilhelm Engelmann, 1 901.

This valuable work, in the revision of which a dozen authors are
engaged, has reached the 6th Lieferung, which is devoted to the
consideration of the useful woods. The treatment of the subject is
as follows: (1) Die Gliederung des Holzkbrpers ; (2) Der innere
Bau der Hblzer; (3) Die aussere Structur der Hblzer; (4) Physika-
lische Eigenschaften der Hblzer; (5) Chemische Charakteristik des
Holzes und der andern fibrosen Pflanzengewebe ; (6) Uebersicht
der wichtigeren Pflanzen, deren Holz technisch benutzt vvird ; (7)
Specielle Betrachtung der wichtigsten Nutzhblzer ; (8) Uebersicht

^ecimber^isoT'} National Association of Retail Druggists. 601

der hier beschriebenen Holzer von Nadelbaumen nach mikroskopi-
schen Merkmalen.

The woods yielded by the different species in 1 1 2 families are
considered ; the important references being given in connection
with each of the species considered. The work is indispensable to
those interested in technical products.

Das Komprimiren von Arzneitabletten. Von F. Utz. Mit in
den Text gedruckten Figuren. Berlin : Verlag von Julius Springer,
1 90 1. M. 2.40.

This valuable little book on the making of tablets is well illus-
trated and full of practical information on the construction of the
different machines and the formulae found useful in the making of
tablets. It consists of the following parts : (1) Geschichtliches ; (2)
Komprimirmaschinen ; (3) Nebenapparate ; (4) Das Vorbereiten
der Arzneimittel zum Komprimiren ; (5) Allgemeine Vorschriften
fur Behandlung der Maschinen u. s. w. ; (6) Das Komprimiren der
Tabletten ; (7) Die Bezeichnung der Tabletten ; (8) Die Verpack-
ung der Tabletten ; (9) Die Aufbewahrung der Tabletten ; (10)
Verordnungen.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RETAIL DRUGGISTS.

The following are the officers of the Association for the year
1901-1902 : President, James W. Seeley, Detroit, Mich. ; First Vice-
President, R. K. Smither, Buffalo, N. Y. ; Second Vice-President,
Thomas Voegeli, Minneapolis, Minn. ; Third Vice-President, B. E.
Pritchard, Pittsburg, Pa. ; Secretary, Thomas V. Wooten, Chicago,
111.; Treasurer, Rudolph S. Vitt, St. Louis, Mo.

The members of the Executive Committee are as follows : Simon
N. Jones, Louisville, Ky., Chairman ; James W. Seeley, Detroit,
Mich. ; F. E. Holiiday, Topeka, Kan. ; John C. Gallagher, Jersey City,
N. J. ; W. E. Bingham, Tuscaloosa, Ala. ; F. W. Meisner, La Porte,
Ind. ; Charles Fleischner, New Haven, Conn,

The following are the resolutions adopted by the Association at
its recent convention at Buffalo in conformity with the recom-
mendation of the Committee on Resolutions :

Resolved, That we commend the forceful and able address of
President Anderson and recommend that the thanks of the Associa-
tion be tendered him for the discharge of the duties of his office

602 National Association of Retail Druggists, {AK^mbe£i8^

and the valuable recommendations contained therein, which recom-
mendations have been voted upon in the different resolutions that
follow :

Resolution " A." Organization.

Resolved, That the Secretary of the N.A.R.D. is instructed to
proceed with the work of local organization throughout the country,
subject to the sanction and approval of the Executive Committee,
as rapidly as the condition of the finances of the Association and
the training of competent organizers will justify.

That the Secretary is authorized, with the approval of the Execu-
tive Committee, to employ such organizers as the territory to be
organized may seem to require.

That inasmuch as the formation of local associations and the
adoption of schedules is calculated to bring immediate financial
benefit to the members of such associations, it is directed that organ-
ization should be as nearly self-sustaining as possible, and the Sec-
retary is authorized, with the approval of the Executive Committee,
to provide for the collection from the members of such new associa-
tions of an organization fee, in addition to the annual dues to the
N.A.R.D., of such amount as may be essential to meet, approxi-
mately, the cost of organizing the territory as thoroughly as it can
be organized, and the Secretary shall issue to all organizations that
may be formed a certificate of membership to each of its members,
which certificate shall also show the affiliation of the association
with the N.A.R.D.

That the organizers shall secure the adoption of a uniform schedule
of prices by all organizations formed wherever practicable.

That all organization work conducted in a State in which the
State pharmaceutical association is affiliated with this body shall be
done with the advice, knowledge and co-operation of the State
association.

Resolution " B." Reduction of Prices on Proprietaries.

Resolved, That inasmuch as the N.A.R.D. has been largely instru-
mental in securing the repeal of the stamp act on proprietary
medicines, the Association feels strongly its right to expect that
manufacturers who have advanced their prices to the retail trade to
cover the cost of this tax should now reduce their prices to conform
to those in existence prior to the imposition of the tax.

That we commend the action of those proprietors who did not

ADeVemberifoT'} National Association of Retail Druggists. 603

advance their prices* on account of the imposition of the war
revenue tax.

That we commend the action of the proprietors who promptly
reduced their prices when the tax was repealed.

That the Secretary is instructed to prepare a list of all proprietors
who advanced their prices and have not reduced them since the
repeal of the tax. The Executive Committee shall consider any
special reasons given by each of those manufacturers who have not
reduced their prices, accompanied in each case by the recommenda-
tion of the Executive Committee with reference thereto.

Resolution " C." Non -Tripartite Goods.

Resolved, That while the tripartite plan is intended to control the
sale of proprietary goods only, the Association desires to again com-
mend the action of those manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and other
products who have uniformly recognized the principles of the plan.

That we renew our recommendation that the goods of such man-
ufacturers are entitled to preferential consideration at the hands of
the drug trade.

That this recommendation be brought to the attention of every
association in membership by the Secretary of the National Associ-
ation.

Resolution " D." The N.A.R.D. Plan.

Resolved, That the results of the causes and plans of the N.A.R.D.
during the past year for the betterment of drug-trade conditions is
a practical demonstration of the benefits of organized effort and
furnishes gratifying encouragement for the continuation of those
policies and plans.

That we urge upon all manufacturers of goods sold to the drug
trade and all jobbers the advantages to be gained from a loyal and
vigorous maintenance of the plans jointly adopted.

That local associations not now reaping the benefits of the tri-
partite plan are urged to renew their efforts at organization upon
such lines as will offer most satisfactory results, calling upon the
Secretary and the Executive Committee for such assistance as they
may deem necessary to success.

That in the enforcement of the tripartite plan all names intended
to be listed as aggressive cutters be submitted to the Executive
Committee ; the Secretary shall duly list the names and notify the
necessary persons.

604 National Association of Retail Druggists. {ADecJembe?hi9oim

Resolution " E." Change in Basis of Representation, etc.

The committee recommends that Article III on Membership be
amended by the substitution of the following section for Section 2 :

" Section 2. Each State and local association shall be entitled to
one delegate for each fifty active members or fraction of fifty mem-
bers. Such delegates shall be actively engaged in the retail drug
business."

The only effect of the amendment above recommended is to
change the basis of representation from one hundred members to
fifty members, which, under a form of local organization throughout
the country, would equalize the representation between the city dis-
tricts more nearly than under the present basis.

We recommend that the fourth by-law be amended to read as
follows :

" Fourth. The fiscal year shall be identical with the calendar year,
and the dues of the affiliated associations shall be payable at the
beginning of the fiscal year. The collection of the dues is placed in
the hands of the Executive Committee, and the committee shall
have power to drop from the membership-roll any association which
has not paid its dues for any preceding fiscal year."

Resolution " F," National Legislation.

Resolved, That we commend the efforts of the Committee of
National Legislation in securing the repeal of the stamp tax on
medicinal preparations, and express appreciation for the assistance
rendered by members of the National Wholesale Druggists' Asso-
ciation, the Proprietary Association of America, and any other per-
sons in accomplishing the repeal.

Resolution "G." Trademarks and Patents.

Resolved, That in accordance with the suggestion of the Com-
mittee on Trademarks and Patents regarding pharmaceutical prod-
ucts, we reaffirm our declaration that it is an indispensable principle
of justice that the Government should not grant a patent on the
product itself, but should confine such patent protection to the pro-
cess of manufacture. To patent the products is to create monopoly
and retard progress in the healing arts.

That the Committee on Trademarks and Patents, in conjunction
with the Committee on National Legislation, is instructed to prepare
and distribute to the organizations in membership, through the
office of the N.A.R.D., a memorial urging upon Congress favorable
action on this subject.

Adj. Jour. Pharm. \
December, 1901. J

Pharmaceutical Meeting.

605

That in the preparation of such memorial the said committee is
requested to embody the suggestions contained in the proposed
" Act Amending the Patent Laws of the United States " contained
in the report of the Committee on National Legislation.

That all associations in membership and all retail druggists are
urged to promote such favorable action by Congress at the earliest
date practicable.

Resolution " H." Government Competition.

Resolved, That in accordance wich the recommendations of the
Committee on National Legislation concerning the manufacture of
vaccine and biologic products, the Association recommends that the
bodies affiiliated with the N.A.R.D. use their efforts with their
respective Congressmen to secure the discontinuance by the Gov-
ernment of the manufacture of these products in competition with
private enterprise.

Resolution " I." Finances.

Resolved, That if it becomes necessary, in order to promote most
actively the work of the Association, the Executive Committee may
instruct the Secretary to ask for contributions from the associations
in membership of such amount as they may feel inclined to make.

PHARMACEUTICAL MEETING.

The second of the series of pharmaceutical meetings of the Phila-
delphia College of Pharmacy for 1901-1902, was held Tuesday,
November 19, 1901. Mr. William Mclntyre, a well-known phar-
macist of this city, presided.

The first speaker was Mr. Henry P. Hynson, Baltimore, who has
contributed much during the past few years to the organization of
the new section in Practical Pharmacy and Dispensing of the Amer-
ican Pharmaceutical Association. Mr. Hynson's paper was on
" Modern Evidences of Pharmaceutical Progress and their Value "
(see page 575). At the conclusion of the reading of the paper, the
chairman stated that it gave those who were present an equal
opportunity of returning their experience on this subject and in-
vited a discussion, which proved very interesting indeed. In dis-
cussing the subject of the deterioration of drugs by vermin, Mr.
Boring stated that he had found the use of chloroform to be very
successful as a preventive. Mr. Campbell said regarding the sug-

6o6 Pharmaceutical Meeting.

gestion of Mr. Hynson on the employment of absorbent surgical
gauze for wiping off capsules and using it generally in place of saw-
dust or paper for wiping ointment slabs, etc., that he had used
absorbent cotton for the same purpose and thought it more advan-
tageous. Mr. Boring, on the other hand, considered it better to use
sawdust, and commended that portion of Mr. Hynson's paper con-
cerning shelf-bottles, in which he said that " a good modern rule is
to have only so many as will add to your convenience and none
for show."

Mr. Gordon brought up the matter of preventing the stoppers ot
bottles containing syrups, solutions of alkalies, etc., from sticking*
and stated that he found it advantageous to use mixtures of petro-
latum with either wax, rosin or paraffin on the stoppers, and that
he found the rosin and paraffin mixtures better for syrup bottles.
Mr. Boring said that the late Dr. Squibb's idea of using a little
petrolatum was all that was necessary to keep stoppers from stick-
ing, and for syrups, thought the use of loose stoppers the best.

Professor Remington did not entirely favor the abandonment of cut-
ting paper in required sizes for wrapping pill and ointment boxes, and
thought it well to have separate shelves for this purpose, as well as
the cylindrical roll favorably commented upon by Mr. Boring, Mr.
Hynson and others. Mr. Hynson furthermore stated that he uses a
box or carton wherever practicable, and that the great advantage from
the use of cylindrical rolls was, that there was no waste. Dr. Lowe
stated that he had been using for some time the " utility box" for
epsom salts, borax and other substances, and found it very satisfac-
tory. Mr. Campbell, who has a suburban store and a number ot
customers who drive up to the store, said that he facilitated matters
by having a call-button attached to the hitching post (or the use of
these customers. In concluding the paper which had been put in
this practical arid interesting form for the benefit ot the pharmacists
present, Mr, Hynson commended the paper of Mr. Mason (see this
Journal, p. 508) on " A New Economic Order in Pharmacy " and
urged the younger men in attendance at the meeting not to start
new stores, but combine several stores, as this was more satisfac-
tory to the greatest number.

The next paper was on "Sponges " (see page 584), by Mr. Albert
Hart. This was read by Mr. Wm. L. Cliffe. In the paper were
described the sponges as they grow in the sea, the method by which

A mi. Jour. Pharm. i
December, 1901. J

Pharmaceutical Meeting.

607

obtained, and their uses. The paper was illustrated by a series of
specimens of sponges* exhibited by the Smith, Kline & French Co.,
and included an old earthen jug upon which a large Mandruka
sponge ot fine quality had grown. A Zimocha toilet sponge
and two fine specimens of silk surgeon cup sponges, all of
which had become attached naturally to rocks; a peculiar speci-
men was a genuine large Abaco velvet sponge of perfect form,
attached to a coral formation of peculiar shape, one part looking
very similar to a pineapple ; a set of four pictures showing 4< a
diver being dressed to descend," "a diver preparing to descend,"
4t a diver surrounded by curious fish," and " a typical view where
sponges abound;" also a large tortoise, nearly 3 feet long, its
shell having been polished, and a sample of every known variety
of sponge used commercially (the most interesting of these being
a perfectly formed Mandruka bath sponge measuring about 18
inches across), added interest to this interesting paper.

In answer to a question by Dr. Lowe, concerning the possibility of
cultivating sponges successfully on the coral reefs of Florida, Mr.
Hart took an adverse view and stated that, while experiments on a
small scale had proven successful, the conditions for their develop-
ment to produce a large crop were not practically attainable. They
must be planted in clear water, water in which there is scarcely any
motion, and at a depth of about 16 feet. He also stated that there
were about $300,000 worth of sponges shipped from Florida annu-
ally,and that in the Mediterranean waters many of the beds had
practically given out. In reply to a question by Mr. Hynson, he
said that a certain variety of sponge is peculiar to a particular local-
ity, and the clearer the water and the warmer the temperature the
finer the quality of sponge. Mr. Hart also accorded with the view
of Dr. Lowe that the Red sea was a favorable locality for the growth
of sponges, and stated that some were obtained from this locality.
The matter of the adulteration of sponges was also discussed. Pro-
fessor Remington referred to the method of loading dales of sponges
by the use of a mixture of barytes and red lead. Mr. Hart stated
that at the present time they were washed in water with much sand,
and that the sand dries in and the water dries out of the sponge,
thus increasing the weight. In place of sand, salt and sugar solu-
tions also were used.

M. I. Wilbert read a paper on " A Metric Measuring Glass" (see

6o8

Pharmaceutical Meeting.

f Am. Jour. Pbarm,
I December, 1901.

p. 590). In this connection Professor Lowe read a paper on " The
Capacity of Spoons Used for Administering Medicine" (see p. 593).
In discussing these papers Mr. Peter P. Fox said that he recommends
patients to use the old-fashioned teaspoon in preference to the
modern teaspoon. Mr. Boring thought it important for the patient
to purchase a medicine glass. Professor Remington said that he
used to have his name on the medicine glass and give it away with
the medicine. He also stated that his own experiments on the
capacity of teaspoons, etc., alluded to by Dr. Lowe, were made
with plated and tin teaspoons, and he suggested that Dr. Lowe con-
tinue his investigations with these. In reply to the question of the
accuracy of the medicine glass, Professor Remington said that he
had never found them to be inaccurate. As illustrating the impor-
tance of this subject, Dr. Weidemann brought to the attention of the
meeting the fact that a physician had ordered a four-ounce mixture
for a patient which was to be taken in teaspoonful doses every hour,
and that in sixteen hours the prescription was brought back for
renewal. Mr. Henry C. Blair, Jr., subsequently stated that a patient
had recently complained to his clerk that a mixture did not contain
the number of doses (or teaspoonfuls) that the doctor had said it
would.

Mr. F. T. Gordon exhibited a collection of fifty-six of the metals
arranged in a case, from E. Merck & Co. Among the specimens
were a number of the rarer metals : rubidium, caesium, thorium,
yttrium, Indium, tantalum, zirconium, etc., the whole forming a very
interesting exhibit. The peculiarity of both gold and silver in
mass and in powder was very striking. Gold in powder is an orange
to brick-red, silver is pure white. Specimens of boron, silicon,
selenium and tellurium were also included. It was remarked that
if each of the tiny bottles containing these rare metals held an
amount equal in weight to the specimens of copper or zinc shown,
that the case would be worth perhaps over $10,000 which, as
exhibited, was valued at $50.

Wm. R. Warner & Co. exhibited some elixirs. Among their pro-
ducts noted was elixir salicylic compound, after the firm's original
formula, a remedial agent in rheumatism and kindred diseases; also
tono sumbul compound, an elegant pharmaceutical product both
in appearance and taste, possessed of valuable tonic properties.

A vote of thanks was tendered Messrs. Hynson and Hart for
their valuable and interesting communications.

Am. Jour. Pharin. \
December, 1901. j

Notes and News,.

609

Before adjourning the secretary announced that the following pro-
visional program had been arranged lor the next meeting, on De-
cember 17th :

"The Origin, History and Influence of State Pharmaceutical
Associations." By Joseph L. Lemberger, Ph.M.

" The Pharmacologic Assay of Drugs." By Dr. Arthur R.
Cushny, University of Michigan.

" A Useful Method of Filling Capsules with Essential Oils." By
William G. Toplis.

Various exhibits and some other papers are also expected.

H. K.

NOTES AND NEWS.

U. S. Pharmacopoeia. — By reason of the death of Dr. Charles Rice several
changes have been made in the Committee of Revision, as follows : Chairman,
Joseph P. Remington ; First Vice-Chairman, C. Lewis Diehl ; new member,
Henry H. Rusby. The death of William S. Thompson, the Chairman of the
Board of Trustees, has also necessitated some changes, as follows : Chairman,
Charles E. Dohme ; new member, J. H. Beal.

American Pharmaceutical Association. — Owing to the death of Wil-
liam S. Thompson, Chairman of the Council, Prof. A. B. Prescott has been
elected Chairman, and Charles E. Dohme, Vice-Chairman.

Conference of Teaching Faculties.— At the recent meeting, held con-
jointly with the St. Louis meeeting of the American Pharmaceutical Associa-
tion, the principal business transacted was to complete an organization. A
constitution and by-laws were adopted. The following officers were elected :
President Joseph P. Remington ; Vice-President, Edward Kremers ; Secretary
and Treasurer, Wilbur L- Scoville. Executive Board, J. H. Beal, Chairman ;
Oscar Oldberg, William Simon, L. E. Sayre, E. A. Ruddiman.

Conference of Boards of Pharmacy.— At the St. Louis meeting of the
American Pharmaceutical Association provision was made for a meeting of the
Boards of Pharmacy. W. M. Searby was elected Temporary Chairman and A.
Brandenberger, Temporary Secretary. Ten States were represented. It was
decided that a committee be appointed, to consist of the Chairman and Secre-
tary, to draw up resolutions requesting the Committee of Arrangements for the
next meeting of the American Pharmaceutical Association to provide a space
on their program for a conference of boards of pharmacy. It was also de-
cided to appoint a committee, consisting of the Chairman, Secretary, and three
members, to draw up a constitution and by-laws as soon as possible, and mail
a copy of them to the Secretary of each State Board of Pharmacy, with the
request that each board send a representative to the next annual meeting, to be
held at Philadelphia. There was also a committee appointed to ascertain from
the several boards of pharmacy the qualifications, percentage, etc., required of
candidates for examination before certificates were granted.

6io

Notes and News.

f Am. Jour. Pharru.
I December. 1901.

The New Yorker Deutscher Apotheker Verein celebrated their fiftieth
anniversary on October i with a large banquet. " Founded half a century ago
by a few German druggists of New York, who met for the promotion of good
fellowship and the advancement of pharmaceutical knowledge, the Association
has become one of the most influential pharmaceutical organizations in the
city."

State Aid in Educational Work. — J. M. Cattell {Science, 1901, p. 575), in
discussing the Washington Memorial Institution and a National University,
says : "We shall not always depend on the charit}7 of the rich, nor will our
universities always be administered by business men. Pennsylvania, Johns
Hopkins, and Cornell are turning to the State for help ; Harvard, Yale, and
Columbia must do the same if their prestige is to be maintained."

The Metric System. — In a report to the British Association of Chambers
of Commerce the following resolutions were adopted : " (1) That, after con-
sidering various suggestions, this committee is unanimously of the opinion that
the chambers should unite in urging upon the Government the compulsory
adoption of the metrical system of weights and measures, leaving matteis of
detail to be considered later; (2) That the Committee is unanimously of
opinion that a British decimal system of coinage must be on the basis of retain-
ing the sovereign, with the florin as a unit, divided into a hundred cents or
farthings ; (3) The Committee recommends that there should be metal coins of
five and ten cents, and bronze coins of one, two and four cents or farthings."

The Hanbury Medal, was presented to Dr. George Watt, widely known
as the author of "The Economic Products of India," on October 1st by the
President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain .

Rudolf Vi.rchow's eightieth birthday (October 12th) was celebrated in
Berlin with appropriate ceremonies. The Virchow research fund was in-
creased by 50,000 marks ; a new hospital containing 1,700 beds has been named
in his honor ; and the Emperor has conferred an order and a medal. In New
York city there was also a banquet in honor of Virchow given on October 12th.

Horatio C. Wood has been granted leave of absence for a year from the
University of Pennsylvania, and H. C. Wood, Jr., delivers the lectures upon
the physiological action of drugs.

H. H. Rusby delivered a lecture on "Production of Cinchona Bark and
Quinine in the East Indies," at the New York Botanical Gardens, on Novem-
ber 9th.

John Uri Lloyd has written a new story "Warwick of the Knobs," a
story of a strange people and a curious form of life in Stringtown County,
Ky. Etidorhpa has also been recently published in popular form, several
chapters, which were omitted when it was first printed, having been restored.

Hannah E. Longshore, the first woman to practice medicine in Philadel-
phia, died October 15th. It is said that the sneers, ridicule and obstacles she
encountered at that time might have driven any one less reliant from the field.
Male physicians refused to consult with her because she was a woman, and

Am. Jour. Pharno.)
December, 1901. J

Notes and News.

611

druggists refused to fill her prescriptions. It is said that teachers in the
public schools instructed their pupils not to walk on the streets with Miss
Longshore, " because her mother was a woman doctor." To meet the opposi-
tion, Mrs. Longshore carried her own medicines. Conscious merit kept her
steadfast, and she at last began to reap her reward. By the end of her third
year her practice had increased to such an extent that she was compelled
to give up her lectures to women, which had met with such success, and resign
her position in the Woman's Medical College. She made such a success
during forty years of activity that she retired with a modest fortune, and it
wis, said that her practice was larger, with one exception, than that of any
other woman physician in the United States.

Susan Hayhurst's twenty-fifth anniversary as pharmacist of the Woman's
Hospital, Philadelphia, was celebrated by a reception given by the Board of
Managers on October ist, at the hospital. Dr. Hayhurst has probably done
more for young women in pharmacy than any one else, as she not only regu-
larly employs women assistants, but many come to her to gain a practical
knowledge of pharmacy.

Charges W. Parsons, identified for nearly twenty-five years with pharma-
ceutical education and journalism, is now President of the American Correspond-
ence University. The value of home study as of university extension work
is becoming more appreciated by educators as being the entering wedge to
collegiate and university work by those who for various reasons are not attend-
ants at our colleges. The course in pharmacy as conducted by Mr. Parsons in
the American Correspondence University is no doubt a systematic course of
such a character that will benefit pharmacists who have not had the advantages
of a college education. The course, it should be stated, is not intended to take
the place of a college education.

President William McKinley. — The official report on the case of Presi-
dent McKinley has been published in a number of medical journals. Whatever
may be said of the case in the light of modern progress in medicine, the
lamentable fact was that the doctors in attendance allowed the nation to believe
for some days that he would recover. The result was that the shock of his
final collapse and death was as great as the first news of the assassin's dastardly
crime.

Von Mueller National Memorial Fund.— The Executive Committee to
consider the best form for the memorial to take, recommended to the sub-
scribers that the money available be devoted to the institution of a medal and
a prize, to be awarded at intervals of not less than two years, to the author of
the most important contribution to natural knowledge published within the
British dominions, not more than five nor less than one year prior to the date
of the award.

Some Doctors of The Oi^den Time. — In a valuable paper, read before the
Lebanon County Historical Society, J. H. Redsecker has given some brief and
interesting sketches of some of the old doctors of Lebanon, Pa. It is very
desirable that the history of the earlier medicine and pharmacy be written, as
it will be both interesting and valuable to students in the years to come.

6l2

Notes and News.

/Ann. Jour. Pharm.
X December, 1901.

A Number OF Book-pirates, designed by various persons, have been sepa-
rately printed by the Pharmaceutical Review Publishing Co., Milwaukee.
These plates are interesting and valuable to designers, authors, and others.

Popular German Names of domestic drugs and medicines, compiled by
Fr. Hoffmann, has been revised and enlarged and may be obtained of the Phar-
maceutical Review Publishing Co., Milwaukee.

The Theory of Electrolytic Dissociation, as viewed in the light of
facts recently ascertained, is considered by L. Kahlenberg, with the co-ogera-
tion of A. A. Koch and R. D. Hall, in Bulletin of the University of Wisconsin,
No. 47.

Feeding of Infants at Public Expense. — While it is universally recog-
nized that improper and deficient feeding is the principal cause of infant mor-
tality, and it is conceded that the ideal and universal infant food has not yet
been devised, it is, however, a matter of common knowledge that the greatest
sufferers from inadequate and improper food are the children of the poor.
"A project has recently been mooted in England, which, if carried out, might
go far to effect the solution. The proposal alluded to is that children of the
poor should be fed at the public expense. The Hospital, referring to the mat-
ter, suggests that some of the money that is so lavishly spent on education,
might, with advantage, be devoted to the feeding of infants, and asks whether
it would not be better to spend public money for a short time during infancy in
securing that they shall grow up strong and straight and fit to earn a living,
rather than to spend money in their support during these long years in after
life, when, in consequence of their imperfect development, they have become
inmates of workhouses, reformatories, and jails. The scheme reads Utopian
and visionary, but although perhaps at present impracticable, it yet contains
the germs of sense. Any plan that will tend to improve the stamina of the
human race and to stay the present fearful infantile mortality is at least worthy
of attention."

A Strange Cause of Fire. — Fire may be caused by a bottle of water stand-
ing harmlessly on a table. A correspondent writes, showing how this may be
the case :

" In my laboratory, the other day, I detected the odor of burning wood, and,
seeking the cause, noticed a tiny wreath of smoke rising from the counter.
Setting aside a flask of water that stood close by, I sponged over the burning
spot with a damp cloth. Shortly after I again detected the odor of burning
wood, when, to my surprise, I discovered another burning spot on the table
close to the water flask. The flask was standing in the sunlight, thereby con-
centrating the rays to a focus on the top of the table, acting in this case as a
burning glass. A handful of highly combustible material was thrown over the
burning spot, catching fire almost immediately. I cite this instance merely as
a warning to chemists and apothecaries who may not realize how easily a fire
may be started in their storerooms by the sun shining through bottles, flasks,
and carboys of liquid, converting them for the time being into burning glasses
of great power. I have in mind now the instance of a fire originating in a
storeroom from this cause."

INDEX

TO VOLUME 73 OF THE AMERICAN JOURNAL
OF PHARMACY.1

SUBJECTS.

Acacia, impurity of market product 157

Academic costume, etiquette of i

Acid, acetic, as a menstruum 469

carbolic, red coloration (Gordon) 469

chromic and soluble chromates, estimation of (Kebler) 395

exact standard, preparation of 200

nitric, production from atmospheric nitrogen (Wilbert) 171

salycylic, volumetric assay of 189

sulphuric, detection of selenium in 95

Aconite, market 469

root, preparation of powder . 470

Adrenalin, the active principle of the suprarenal glands and its mode of

preparation (Takamine) 523

Adulterated drugs 500

Adulteration of drugs ( Kebler) . . . 573

Adulterations, detection by means of X-rays (Wilbert) 78, 104

report on, by H. P. Hynson 457

Albumen, cold nitric acid test for 497

manufacture in China 198

Alcohol, 95 per cent., action of metals on 302

deodoratum 462

ethyl and methyl, preparation of . 34

methyl, in pharmaceutical preparations (Cook) 289, 313

new synthesis of 302

phenyl-ethyl, in rose blossoms 199

prevention of intoxicating effect of 33

wood, in preparation of narcotic fluid extracts (Gordon) ...... 468

in preparation of tinctures ( Gordon) 469

wood, use of (Gordon) 285, 313

use as fuel ( Lyon) 360

Alkaloid estimations, volumetric 95

the alkalimetric factors of diacid ..... 492

vegetable, determination of, by means of normal salts . 195

Allspice analyses 554

Aloin, oxidation by means of potassium persulphate and Caro's acid . . . 566

American Pharmaceutical Association :

Euno-Sander prize ' 48

Semi-Centennial of ... 97

proceedings of Forty-ninth Annual Meeting 482

Ammonium persulphate, oxidizing action of ...... • 189

Anagyrine, isolation and chemical properties 192

Anchylostoma duodenale, recognition of 228

Anethol, examination of 359

1 Compiled by F. Yaple.

f\-\ A Tw/1t>v / Am. Jour. Pharm*

UA4 inuex. j December, 1 901.

Anise, star, poisonous 365

Antitoxin, diphtheria 491

Apparatus stand, pharmacists (Remington) 19, 46

Aqua destillata, alkalinity of 157

Arsenic, a few remarks on the atomic weight of 497

Argemone Mexicana, does it contain morphine ? 490

Artificial foods, the deterioration of ( LaWall) 477

Asafcetida, commercial (Wilbert) 131

Assay, pharmacological, of preparations of the suprarenal glands (Hough-
ton) 496, 531

Phosphorus in oils 481

Association Proceedings :

Arkansas 510

Colorado 511

Connecticut 511

Delaware 512

Georgia « 512

Illinois 453.

Indiana 513

Indian Territory 513.

Iowa 514

Kansas 515

Kentucky * 454

Louisiana 456

Maine 516

Maryland 457

Massachusetts _ ... 458

Minnesota 516

Missouri 459

Nebraska . •• 461

New Jersey 461

New York 462

North Carolina 464

Ohio 464

Oklahoma 517

Pennsylvania 466

South Carolina 517

Tennessee 518

Texas 518

Virginia 52a

Atomic weight of arsenic, a few remarks on 497

Atmosphere, gaseous elements 487

Barley, germinated, enzyme of \ 32

Behring, Emil, honor conferred upon 314

Bezoar, specimen of 210

Belladonna leaves, commercial 556

root and extract, assay of (Clark) 22

and scopola, comparative pharmacological study of 495

Berberine of* R. Gaze, the so-called (Gordin and Merrell) 488

two new methods for the quantitative estimation of 492

Berberis barks, anatomical comparison of 481

Blue, soluble, commercial 556

Board of Pharmacy, Kansas, report of 515

New York State, report of , . . . 463

State Pharmaceutical Examining (Emanuel) 47Q

Brown, Robert, marble bust of 314

Calcium phosphate, precipitated, commercial 469

lacto-phosphate, the chemical composition of 499

Am. Jour. Pharm. \ T-nrUp t ft T C
December, 1901. J lnatA,.

Calcium oxalate crystals in the study of vegetable drugs (Kraemer) . . . 471

Carat, value of, in metric system 210

Carbonic acid gas, liquid (Gordon) 237, 256

Cephseline, chemical properties of no

hydrochloride, preparation of in

pharmacology of 114

Canella, coto, paracoto and wintera, the gross and histological characters of, 496

Cascara and its adulterants 301

Catha edulis, examination of . . . . 300

Cerate, camphor, formula for 119

simple, formula for .119

Ceric sulphates, formulae of 33

Chandler, Charles F., appointment of 314

Chloroform, the estimation of 494

Cinchona alkaloids, formation of 145

separation of, with ether 491

bark, assay of 213

assay of fluid extract of 218

barks of the New York market 153

culture in India and Java 188

Cinnamic aldehyde and cinnamon oils 499

Cinnamon oils and cinnamic aldehyde 499

Cloves, analysis of 554

Coca, assay of ( Lamar) 125, 155

leaves, assay of 167

Cocaine, crude, inferiority of 156

solutions, sterilized 208

Cocoanut shells, analysis 55.S

Cocos nucifera, anatomy of fruit (Winton) 538

Colchicum, investigation of (Schulze) 293

Cold cream, formula (Campbell) 468

new (Alpers) 117, 154

Collinsonia canadensis 462

Collodium, preparation (Gordon) 469

Color tests, relative value of 255

Commercial aspects, some, of pharmacy 503

Condurango 462

Congresses, international pharmaceutical (Hoffmann) 315, 373, 431

Conium seed or leaves, assay of ..... 217

Containers 503

Coto, Paracoto, wintera and canella, the gross and histological characters of 491

Correspondence :

Alcohol, wood 360

Procter memorial 88, 135, 179, 242, 295, 360, 398

Warburg's tincture 93

Cream of tartar 519

Creosote, nomenclature . , 491

Cryoscopy 564

Crystals, calcium oxalate, in the study of vegetable drugs (Kraemer) . . 471

influence of conditions upon form of ... 256

Custard apple, botanical source 312

Digestive ferments in surgical practice (Wilbert) . 535

Diphtheria antitoxin 491

Dispensaries, committee on Free ( Remington ) 467

Hospital 462

Dispensing notes 505

Distoma hsematobia, recognition of 232

Drops, character of 141

Drug culture (Kilmer) 10

6i6

Index.

f Am. Jour. Pharm.
1 December, 1901.

Drugs, adulteration of (Kebler) 573

detection of adulterations in, by means of the X-rays (Wilbert) . 78, 104

Ebulliscope, the, use in alcohol determination 158

Economic order in pharmacy, a new 508

Editorial :

American Pharmaceutical Association 448

Bio-chemical analyses and their value 596

Parliamentary law in associations 148

Pharmaceutical jurisprudence 204

Pharmacopoeia, the, and the specialist . 35

Rice, Charles 303

Semi-centennial of the A. Ph. A 97

The specialist and the pharmacopoeia 35

Education of apprentices 462

Elixir of heroin and terpin hydrate (McClintock) 31

potassii bromidi, N. F 506

Emetine, chemical properties of . 108

hydrobromide and hydrochloride, preparation of 108

pharmacology of 114

Enzyme, proteolytic, of barley 32

Eucaine B, value as an anaesthetic 208

Explosives, high and low (Leffmann) ... * 45

Eschscholtzia californica, the alkaloids of (Fischer) 489

Ether test for scammony 147

Extracts, wood alcohol in the preparation of narcotic fluid ( Gordon ) . . 468

fluid, official 502

of colocynth compound, formula . 501

of meat 500

food value 565

Ferments, digestive, in surgical practice (Wilbert) 335

living character of 313

of the L,eguminosae 192

Flour, detection of maize in 567

Flours, strengthening, from Russia 197

Foods, artificial, the deterioration of (La Wall) 477

Formaldehyde, quantitative estimation of . 568

Gaseous elements in the atmosphere 487

Gasometric tests of the Pharmacopoeia, oxygen as a standard for .... 495

Ginseng garden, a 510

Glaucium fiavum, the alkaloids of, (Fischer) 489

Glycerin, commercial . 555

tonic compound, formula for 459

Glycerite of lead 519

Glycero-sodium borate, preparation of 34

Hansen, G. A., bust of 314

" Hoffmann Haus," the (Arny) 349

Holocain, value as a local anaesthetic 208

Husemann, Theodor 521

Hydrastis canadensis, assay of 168

commercial . . 555

Hydrogen peroxide, preserved, quality of . = 460

Illicium fioridanum, the histology and development of 5co

Indicators, occurrence in nature (Fraps) 174

and distilled water 157

Iodoform reaction in analysis 498

Ions, influence of, upon plant and animal functions . 209

Am. Jour. Pharm. \
December, 1S01. j

Index.

617

Ipecac, assay of 214

Carthagena, commercial 555

Ipecacuanha, Brazilian and Columbian 115

chemistry of (Paul and Cownley) . . . . . ; . 57, 107

Jaborandi leaves, commercial 555

Keen, W. W., portrait of 314

Kola nut, description of . 142

fresh, chemistry of . 301

* ' Label gummer, the druggists " 105

Laboratory, a new research 158

possibilities (Hynson) 504

Lard, benzoinated (Bamford) 29, 47

methods of preparation 47

Laudanum 519'

Law, parliamentary, in associations . 148

Laws, pharmacy and legislation (Beal) 244, 406

the liquor, of States and provinces as they apply to pharmacists . . . 509

Legislation, report of Committee of Arkansas Association of Pharmacists, 510

Committee of Kansas Pharmaceutical Association 515

report of Committee of Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Association

(Cliffe) 466

Committee of Virginia Pharmaceutical Association 521

Lime, chlorinated, strength 501

Liniments in prescriptions 462

Linum, standard 502

Liquor tax in Colorado 511

ammonii anisatus, formulae 462

thymoli compositus, formula for 459

Lithium peroxide . 33

JVIagnalium, properties of ... . 31

Malaria and its relation to mosquito bites 193

Manganese dioxide in Brazil 31

Manna from the olive tree 303

Market drugs, quality 519

Mass of mercury, preparation 501

Mastic, gum (Maisch) 156, 169

Mastic, discussion on 157

Meat, extract of . 500

Medicine, tropical, endowment of chair of 314

Memorial, Procter (Scoville) (see correspondence) 86

Mercuric and mercurous iodide, production of crystals of 33

Mercury mass, preparation 501

Metric medicine glass ( Wilbert) 590

Milk, cow's, the influence of cereal decoctions on the coagulation of (La

Wall) 561

Mistura chlorali et potassii bromidi composita, N. F 460

Molecular formula , 489

weight 488

Morphine, Lloyd reaction for (Mayer) 353

Mortars, presentation of 105

National Association of Retail Druggists 601

National formulary, suggestions on 454

preparations . 520

report 507

New remedies, valuation 563

Nineteenth century progress ii

Nutmeg analyses 554

6i8

Index.

/Am. Jour. Pharm.
X December, 1901.

Nux vomica, assay of 211

presence of copper in 405

Obituary — Blair, Henry C. . . . 314 Turnbull, Lawrence 413

Husemann, Theo . 314, 521 Warner, Wm, R 314, 414

Maisch, Henry C. C. . 397 Weber, August 416

Mohr, Charles . . . 397 Wells, James G 416

Preston, David . . . 106 Wilder, Hans M 314,411

Squibb, Edward Rob-
inson, memoir of . . 419

Oil, aniseed, and anethol (Pancoast and Kebler) 356

buchu, composition of 233

castor, distillation products of 299

cooking, estimation of 406

cotton-seed, use in medicine 461

glands, study of 299

lemon, citral determination in 567

olive, notes on (Meyer) 557

olive, container 210

pumpkin-seed (Graham) 352

of peppermint, commercial quality (Ellis) 573

rose, German 199

phenylethyl alcohol in 566

sandalwood, lavender and thyme (Kebler) 209

examination of (Kebler) 223

sandalwood, analysis of 140

West Indian sandalwood 140, 200

sesame, detection in other oils 189

of walnuts (Kebler) 173

Oils, essential, adulteration of (Pancoast and Kebler) 1

adulterants of, discussion on 48

carvone content of 352

cinnamon and cinnamia aldehyde 499

essential estimation of, in aromatics 146

fungicidal action of 364

relation of ester content to aroma . 210

specific gravities and co-efficients of expansion of 500

standardization 502

Ointments in prescriptions 462

Oleate of mercury, formula 468

Olive tree manna 303

Opium 519

granulated, in preparation of tinctures 501

Organic compounds, relationship between chemical constitution and physi-
ological action of (Coblentz) 207, 263, 326

Ovula glycerini, formula 564

Oxygen as a standard for gasometric tests of the Pharmacopoeia 495

Paints, bactericidal action of 363

Papaw, the, story of (Kilmer) 272, 312, 336, 383

leaves, digestive power of 312

Parasites, animal, recognition of, in man (Boston) 228, 253

Paracoto, wintera, canella and coto, the gross and histological character of . 496

Pasteur, monument to • 314

Pennsylvania State Pharmaceutical Examining Board ... i

Pepper, black, analyses 554

Petrolatum, examination of 187

oxygenated (Wilbert) 155, 220

Pharmacists, American, memorials to ... • 83

Pharmacy, commercial, lectures on 158

Am. Jour. Pharm. \ Tri/ltr fain

December, 1901. j inuex. Uiy

Pharmaceutical notes 460

Pharmaeopceia, German; volumetric methods of 191

oxygen as a standard for gasometric tests of the 495

report of Committee of A. Ph. A. (Kliel) 501

Pharmacy laws and legislation (Beal) 244, 406

legislation, practical politics applied to (Beal) 66, 103, 201

recent literature relating to . . 31, 95, 140, 187, 405, 563

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.

Adoption of by-laws 106

Alumni Association 260

■ Baccalaureate sermon 260

Classes of 49, 52, 54, 56

Commencement . . 256

Committees, appointment of ... . 418

Committee on Nominations, report 574

Delegates, appointed 262

to American Pharmaceutical Association, report of 574

to Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Association, report of 574

Election of honorary members

French, Howard B. President's Annual Report 261

President's cup . 260

Graduates 256

Heinitsh, Charles A, presentation of portrait 260

Minutes of meetings 106, 261, 574

Officers and trustees elected 262, 574

reports 262

Pharmaceutical meetings 45, 103, 154, 206, 253, 311, 572, 605

specimens presented and exhibited at . . . 105, 157, 206, 313, 572, 605
President's Annual Report 261

cup (French) . 260

Prizes 259

Reports of officers and standing committees 261

Rice, Charles, resolutions on death of 418

Squibb, Edward Robinson, presentation of portrait 260

Supper given by faculty 260

Theses, subjects for 262

Trustees, election 262, 574

Philippine Islands, medicinal plants of 491

Phosphorus in oils, assay of 481

Photographic development by gas-light (Weakley) 234, 256

Plasters in prescriptions . 462

Platinum metals, separation of 190

Podophyllum, standardization 502

Polarization, influence of mixtures on (Beck) 367

Preliminary education • • 507

Prescriptions, a compilation of three score and more 507

keeping records of 506

reading and compounding, teaching 509

work, increasing the 506

Prices, control of : 503

Prickly ash bark, southern (Cliffe) 562

Profitable side of pharmacy 503

Prunus virginianse, standardization 502

Psychotrine, chemical properties 112

Ptomaines, influence of", in post-mortem examinations 255

Quillaj a, standardization «. 502

Resins, official use of methyl alcohol in their preparation 289

f.?r\ Tn/ifiv f Am. Jour. Pharm.

OZ<J maex. j December, 1901.

Rice, Charles, versatility of 510

sketch . • .... 303

Rock-candy, cost of, for syrups 313

REVIEWS :

Beal, J. H. Notes on equation writing and chemical and pharma-
ceutical arithmetic 410

Beam, William and Henry Leffmann. Select methods in food analysis, 451

Biltmore botanical studies 452

Coblentz, Virgil and Samuel P. Sadtler. A text-book of chemistry . 44

de Tavera, T. H. Pardo. The medicinal plants of the Philippines . . 599

Gould, Geo. M. The student's medical dictionary . . 103

GreshofPs fish poisons . 98

Hinrichs, G. D. The absolute atomic weights of the chemical

elements 570

Koch, Ludwig. Die mikroskopische Analyse der Drogenpulver . 451, 600

Roller, Theodor, Die Technich der Kosmetik 571

Iveffmann, Henry and William Beam. Select methods in food analysis, 451
Lloyd, John Uri and Harvey W. Fitler. King's American Dispen-
satory T53

Macdougal, D. T. Practical text-book of Plant Physiology 569

Merck's 1901 manual of the materia medica 366

Oldberg, Oscar. Inorganic general medical and pharmaceutical

chemistry ... 150

Potter, Samuel O. Iy. A handbook of materia medica, pharmacy and

therapeutics 365

Proceedings of the American Pharmaceutical Association 150

Richards, Ellen H. and A. G. Woodman. Air, water and food from a

sanitary standpoint 101

Sadtler, Samuel P. A handbook of industrial organic chemistry . . 41

and Virgil Coblentz. A text-book of chemistry 44

Sajous, Chas. E. de M. Annual and analytical cyclopaedia of practical

medicine 409

Schneider, Albert. General vegetable pharmacography 43

Smith, Peter. The Indian doctor's dispensatory 452

Sollman, Torald. A text book of pharmacology 599

Tanner, Thomas H. Memoranda on poisons 306

Utz, F. Das Komprimiren von Arzneitabletten 601

v. Waldheim, Max. Die Serum, Bakterientoxin und organ-Praparate . 570

Wiesner, Julius. Die Rohstoffe des Pflanzenreiches 600

Wilcox, Reynold W. Materia medica, pharmacy, pharmacology and

therapeutics, by W. H. White 599

Woodman, A. G. and Ellen H. Richards. Air, water and food from a

sanitary standpoint 101

Veterinary counter-practice 102

Saddle-bags, presentation of 105

Salicin, glucoside 501

Salt, sea 497

Sandarac, spurious 565

Sanguinaria, standardization 502

Sanguinaria canadensis, the alkaloids of (Fischer) 490

Sanguinarine 501

Sapo mollis, formula 501

Sarsaparilla, standardization 502

Scale, decimal platform 210

Scammony, ether test for 147

Science^ magazine ii

Scopola and belladonna, comparative pharmacological study of 495

Sea salt 497

Seeds, effects of nourishment on i .... 312

Am. Jour. Pharm.l
December, 1901. J

Index.

621

Senega, standardization 502

Senna, emodin in 406

Sesquiterpenes, the characterization and classification of the 494

Side lines ... 506

Silver amalgam at Sala 32

Sinapis alba, standard ... 502

nigra, standard 502

Soap-cutting device, exhibition of 313

Sodium phosphate, commercial 469

Specific gravity, determination ( Hatcher) 595

Spirit of ammonia, aromatic, formula 506

strength 501

Sponges, where they live, how obtained and their uses (Hart) 5S4

State Association Proceedings 510

Statistics concerning pharmacists of U. S 507

Stills, improvements in the Remington pharmaceutical (Remington ) . 81, 105

Strophanthus, standardization 502

Strychnine, examination of the chemical tests for (Kebler) ....... 253

morphine and hydrastine, reaction of mixtures of 254

Study in colleges of pharmacy, committee on course of 465

Stylophorum diphyllum, contribution to the chemistry of 490

Sugar, amorphous, crystallization of 34

Suprarenal glands, the pharmacologic assay of preparations (Houghton )

• : ■ ■ • • 496, 531

Surgery, minor (Stahl) 470

Syrupus ferri quininae et strychnin se phosphatum (La Wall) 446

Syrup of hydriodic acid, use of rock-candy for 313

of iodide of iron, discoloration (Haussmann) . 16, 46

of iodide of iron, preservation of ... 46

spoliation of (Cohn) 119,155

of wild cherry, preparation of ...... 313

Taenia echinococcus, recognition of 231

Tannin, commercial . 556

Tapeworm, recognition of 229

Teaching microscopy, botany, physiology, pharmacodynamics and urine

analysis in colleges of pharmacy 50S

Terpin hydrate, preparation of . . • • , 200

Theobroma cacao, description of !44

Thymotal as a remedy for Anchylostomum duodenale , 143

Tincture colchicum, preparation 511

iodine made with wood alcohol 286

nux vomica, formula 502

Tinctures, official ^02

Tinctura opii, sample of denarcotized ^g

strophanthus, preparation ^oi

Warburg's (Sieker) 30

Trichina spiralis, recognition of 231

Turpentine, spurious Venetian , j^g

Unguentum aqua rosae, methods of preparation 154

hydrargyri nitratis, formula ^OI

University at Lawrence, Kan ^15

Urine, albuminous, clarification of 364

estimation of sugar in ...... .... 102

estimation of total solids in \ 05

examination in presence of synthetics 2oo

phenylhydrazine reaction for . . 147

Veratrum album, location of alkaloid ^6g

Von Pettenkofer, Max, suicide of , 7 .

622

Index.

{Am, Jour Pharm.
I December, 1901.

Water, purification of . . 142

Waters, aromatic, preparation of ... 501

Wax, test 501

yellow, commercial 556

Weights and Measures, Report of Special Committee A. Ph. A. (Ryan) . 483

Wintera, canella, coto and paracoto, the gross and histological characters of 496

Worcester plan 503

X-ray tubes, best, award to makers of 314

AUTHORS.

Amy, H. V. The "Hoffmann Haus " 349

Alpers, W. C. A new cold cream 117, 154

Bamford, M. W. Benzoinated lard 29, 47

Beal, J. H. Practical politics and pharmacy legislation 66, 103

Pharmacy laws and legislation 201, 244, 406

Beck, W. Porter. Influence of mixtures on polarization 367

Boston, L. Napoleon, recognition of certain animal parasites in man . 228, 253

Clark, A. W. Assay of belladonna root and its extract 22

Cliffe, W. L. Note on Southern prickly-ash Taark 562

Coblentz, Virgil. Relationship between chemical constitution and physio-
logical action of organic compounds 207, 263, 326

Cohn, Alfred I. Why do syrups spoil? 119, 155

Cook, E. Fullertou. Methyl alcohol in pharmaceutical preparations, 289, 313
Cownley, A. J. and B. H. Paul. The chemistry of ipecacuanha . 57, 104, 107

Eliel, Leo. Report of committee on U.S. P. of the A. Ph. A 501

Fraps, G. S. Occurrence of indicators in nature ? , 174

Oordin, H. M. Assay processes 159

Gordon, Frederick T. Liquid carbonic acid gas 237, 256

Use of wood alcohol pharmaceutically 2§5, 313

Grabam, Willard. Pumpkin-seed oil . . . 352

and Robert C. Pursel. Laboratory notes . 555

Hart, Albert. Sponges, where they live, how obtained, and their uses . . 584

Hatcher, R. A. Determination of specific gravity . . . 595

Haussmann. F. W. Discoloration of syrup of iodide of iron 16, 46

Hoffmann, Fr. International pharmaceutical congresses .... 315, 373, 431

Memorials to American pharmacists 83

Houghton, E. M. The pharmacologic assay of preparations of the su-
prarenal glands 531

Hynson, Henry P. Laboratory possibilities ■ 504

Modern evidences of pharmaceutical progress 575

Kebler, Lyman F. Adulteration of drugs . . . 573

and George R. Pancoast. Adulterations of essential oils ...... 1, 47

Estimation of chromic acid and the soluble chromates ....... 395

Examination of the chemical tests for strychnine 253

Examination of oils of sandalwood, lavender and thyme 209

Oil of walnuts .... 173

Aniseed oils and anethol 356

Kilmer, F. B. Drug culture 10

The story of the papaw 272, 312, 336, 383

Kraemer, Henry. Calcium oxalate crystals in the study of vegetable

drugs 47i

Am. Jour. Pharm.) TwdpY (\?7.

December, 1901. J maex. uz^

Lamar, William R. Assay of coca 125, 155

LaWall, C. H. The influence of cereal decoctions on the coagulation of

cow's milk * * * 561

Syrupus ferri quininae et strychninse phosphatum 446

Leffmann, Henry. High and low explosives 45

Lowe, C. B. Spoons for administering medicines 593, 608

Maisch, Henry C. C. Gum mastic 169

Mayer, Joseph L,. Lloyd reaction for morphine 353

McClintock, T. B. Elixir of heroin and terpin hydrate 31

Meyer, Jr., C. F. G. Some notes on olive oil 557

Oldberg, Oscar. Address to Scientific Section A. Ph. A 486

Pancoast, Geo. R., and L. F. Kebler. Adulterations of essential oils . i, 47

Aniseed oils and anethol .. = ... 356

Paul, B. H., and A.J. Cownley. The chemistry of ipecacuanha . 57, 104, 107

Pursel, Robert C, and Willard R. Graham. Laboratory notes 555

Remington, J. Percy. Improvements in the Remington pharmaceutical

stills 81, 105

Pharmacists' apparatus stand 19, 46

Schulze, Louis. An investigation of colchieum 293

Scoville, Wilbur L. A Procter memorial .... 86

Sieker, F. A. Warburg's tincture 30

Takamine, Jokichi. Adrenalin the active principle of the suprarenal
glands and its mode of preparation 523

Weakley, Wm. S. Photographic development by gas-light 234, 256

Wilbert, M. I. Commercial asafcetida . 131

Digestive ferments in surgical practice 535

A metric medicine glass .

Oxygenated petrolatum * . . . 155, 220

Production of nitric acid from atmospheric nitrogen 171

X-rays in the detection of adulterations in drugs 78, 104

Winton, A. L. Anatomy of fruit of cocos nucifera 538

Am. Jour. Pharm.l
February, 1901. J

Notes and News.

NOTES AND NEWS.

Pennsylvania StAte Pharmaceutical Examining Board. — In the
twelfth annual report it is stated that the entire number of registered pharmacists
passed in nearly two years (ending January 3r, 1900) was only 336, or about 20
percent, of the total number examined.

The Etiquette of Academic Costume.— Academic Costume should be
used on all formal occasions where the members of an educational institution
meet in a collective capacity, and as the commencement is the chief ceremony
of the academic year, the use at commencement time may be taken as a guide
for other occasions.

The cap is treated in a manner similar to the use of the military helmet or
chapeau, and when academic bodies are in procession should be always on the
head, the tassel hanging over the left eye. The cap is on the head during all
the more important parts of the ceremony, but is usually removed when the
officers and candidates take their seats, with the exception of the presiding
officer, who will wear the cap during the entire exercises, with the exception
of the time that he may be making a lengthy address or during the delivery of
addresses to the general audience. When the candidates are upon their feet,
standing up to receive any particular address in connection with the conferring
of degrees, the cap, of course, should be on, as the whole body is then in full
dress. When the presiding officer confers degrees, whether he be standing or
sitting, he should, of course, have on the cap, and the candidates presenting
themselves raise the cap from the head in salute to the presiding officer, he
acknowledging it by a similar salute or with more dignity, perhaps, without
salute.

The gown should rest easily on the shoulders of the wearer, and all
motions of the hands in adjusting the gown should be avoided. A gown
should be balanced in the making and secured to the person so that it will
hang naturally and gracefully, and the hitching up of the gown around the
shoulders, which so often is seen in the pulpit and on the platform, should be
avoided, as it seems to indicate the unfamiliarity of the wearer with his apparel
and indicates that the clothes do not properly fit the man. Gown, cap and
hood should be worn with perfect freedom and unconsciousness.

The hood, which expresses the possession by the wearer of a degree either
already received or certified as due to the candidate, is always worn on full-
dress occasions. It becomes more symbolic when placed over the shoulders of
the candidates, in the course of the ceremony, by an attendant connected with
the official life of the institution, since it shows that the hood has the same
significance as the diploma, which is conferred at the same time ; however,
many institutions find it more convenient to have its candidates come up for
their degrees with the hood already on their shoulders, the candidate being
invested with it after due certification by the authorities that he is to be raised
to the dignity of the degree indicated.

The symbolism of the hood is most interesting, showing by its cut whether
it is pertaining to the bachelor, master or doctor degree ; by the velvet trim-
ming, as to whether the degree is of arts, science, philosophy, theology, laws,
medicine, pharmacy or other department of learning to which degrees pertain,

Notes and News.

f Am. Jour. Pbarm.
I February, 1901.

while by the color or colors displayed in the hood lining, one is reminded that
the degree has been conferred by the institution that uses the colors shown as
its official colors. — Cotrell and Leonard, Albany, N. Y.

The Nineteenth Century.— The progress made during the past century
is a subject in which every one is interested, and the New York Evening Post
and the New York Su7i have taken up the subject in a way that is very credit-
able. The Post, in its issue of January 12th, published some thirty-eight or
thirty-nine articles on as many different subjects and by as many different
authors, the subjects ranging from astronomy and physics to painting, architec-
ture, literature, finance and economics. The Sun is publishing a series of
Sunday articles, thirteen in all. Those of scientific interest are as follows :
"Evolution," by Alfred Russel Wallace (December 23d); "Chemistry," by
Prof. W. Ramsay (December 30th); "Archaeology," by Professor Flinders-
Petrie (January 6th^; "Astronomy," by Sir Norman Lockyer (January 13th);
"Philosophy," by Dr. E Iward Caird (January 20th); " Medicine," by Prof.
William Osier (January 27th); "Surgery," by Prof. W. W. Keen (February
3d); "Electricity," by Prof. Elihu Thomson (February 10th); "Physics,"
by President F. C. Mendenhall (February 17th).

Magazine Science.— Referring to Nikola Tesla's article in The Century
Magazine for June on " The Problem of Increasing Human Energy," a writer
in Marine Engineering (vide The Locomotive, 1900, p. 124) says :

"This dazzling contribution to modern unscientific research reads like
nothing so much as an essay on Christian Science, so profound is it in the
ambiguous nothingness whereby it leads through the intricacies of iucoherency
unto the climax of absolute asininity. This climax is reached (for us) in the
following statement, wThich occurs on page 198 of the June Century : ' Steamers
and trains are still being propelled by direct application of steam power to
shafts or axles. A much greater percentage of the heat energy of the fuel
could be transformed into motive energy by using, in place of the adopted
marine engines and locomotives, dynamos driven by specially designed high-
pressure steam or gas engines, and by utilizing the electricity generated for the
propulsion. A gain of from 50 to 100 per cent, in the effective energy derived
from the coal could be secured in this manner.' It is no doubt beyond the
comprehension of the literary gentlemen who publish The Century Magazine
to understand that progress in marine propulsion is slow, very slow, and that
there is nothing in the entire domain of scientific research that promises any
hope of being able to transform a much greater percentage of the heat energy
of fuel into motive energy by employing dynamos driven by specially designed
high-pressure steam or gas engines. It is to be expected, however, that, as
those responsible for the statements made in what has been considered one of
the foremost literary magazines of the country, they should appreciate their
lack of expert knowledge, and by procuring suitable editorial assistance safe-
guard their readers, the reputation of the magazine, and their own sense of
right. Under the circumstances, we most unqualifiedly pronounce the state-
ment here reproduced from The Century Magazine, regarding marine propul-
sion, to be a crude and ignorant 'fake.' "

3 9088 00872 9394

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